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Getting the Lead Out
Part 1: Health & Safety Issues Associated with Lead Exposure

Considered one of the seven metals of antiquity, lead has been used in various ways throughout human history dating back to 3,000 B.C. Much of the popularity of lead can be attributed to its’ many useful properties: durability, corrosion resistance, and its ability to expand under freezing conditions. These properties made lead a common component of solder used in plumbing fixtures, pewter utensils, tin cans, and as an ingredient in folk remedies, and pesticides. Residue from lead as gasoline additives are still a major source of lead in contaminated soils and dust. Today, lead-based paint is the primary source of lead exposure to most children in the United States.

Physiological effects of lead

Lead serves no useful purpose once in the body. It is a poison which binds with the chemicals that aid in biological reactions throughout the body. It is particularly damaging to the blood-forming system, the brain and nerves, and the kidneys where it interferes with the synthesis of many body chemicals. The resulting damage from lead poisoning may be permanent, and in some cases, fatal. Exposures are primarily through inhalation and ingestion. Acute cases of lead poisoning are often indicated by constipation and severe abdominal pain. Other manifestations include irritability, fatigue, weakness, and muscle pain. Severe poisoning may result in seizures, coma, and possibly death. Chronic exposures may impair hemoglobin synthesis (critical to cellular respiration), and cause alterations in central and peripheral nervous systems, or hypertension.

Who is at risk?

A March 1995 report prepared for Governor John Engler by the Michigan Environmental Science Board estimated the body burden of lead in ancient peoples was only 1/300th of the body burden of lead in humans today. This report identified urban preschool-aged children (under age 6), and adults with unprotected occupational exposures as the populations most at-risk of lead poisoning. In Michigan an estimated 18,856 children, or 5.18% of the total population would be expected to have blood lead levels in excess of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline of 10 ug/dL. This is ten times less than the dose considered fatal for young children. Primary prevention activities by public health organizations are intended to be directed to any child exposed to more than this level with home inspections recommended for children with blood levels of 15 -19 ug/dL.

In 1993 Michigan Department of Public Health received reports of 88 cases on individuals reported with blood lead levels in excess of 50ug/dL. Although the department currently doesn’t enforce the reporting requirements of OSHA’s General Industry Lead Exposure Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1025; given Michigan’s size and industrial base the actual number of reports of lead poisoning is estimated between 800 and 1,500 cases per year. n

Part 2: Potential Liability & Litigation

A May 1995 report issued by the Insurance Information Institute estimated that the liability to insurers will be in excess of $3 billion in claim settlements over the next decade. This figure includes insurance claim settlements only! It does not include legal defense costs which would add significantly to this total. Recent suits assert that a drop in IQ of exposed children can be estimated at a certain dollar level of future income, which can be discounted to current dollars. There are also likely to be claims made for current and future medical care, pain, suffering and punitive damages.

Landlords have frequently been charged with negligence in failing to prevent a tenant child’s exposure to lead. As a result of these issues, in October 1992 Congress promulgated Public Law 102-550, known commonly as Title X; Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act. This law establishes the framework of actions to be undertaken by HUD, EPA and OSHA to " .. eliminate lead-based paint hazards in all housing as expeditiously as possible".

Based on that objective the EPA and HUD were directed to require disclosure of information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before the sale or lease of most housing built before 1978. This rule becomes effective for all dwelling units of all sizes by Dec. 6, 1996.

As a result of these requirements many landlords and homeowners wish to test their homes or properties for the presence of lead in paint, dust, soils and water using one or a combination of the most common methods of testing for lead. These methods, as well as selection criteria for the most appropriate test method for a particular application are best determined with the assistance of a professional who has some background and experience in dealing with lead monitoring and testing.

Written by:

Timothy Kearney, CSP
Vice President, Argus Group

Article Provided by: The Argus Group

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