Lead toxicity is a topic that needs attention today. Before we delve into this topic, let us clear some basics here. Lead is a heavy metal with atomic number 82 and it has been an integral part of human civilization for thousands of years. Lead is a versatile metal and its usage is vast, like from being used in ancient plumbing systems to an additive in gasoline, lead can cater to everything in between. We started facing problems when its widespread use became a significant caveat to us.
Let's move ahead and find out everything about lead toxicity and how can you find it out through indoor air quality inspections in Coatesville PA.
Lead is a naturally occurring bluish gray metal. It is found in small amounts on the earth's crust. Due to its density, malleability, and low melting point, it was used extensively in products like paints, batteries, cosmetics, and toys. The metal can be found in all parts of our environment due to widespread human activity.
Exposure of lead toxicity
Here are some sources where you could find traces of lead.
Paint: Before the 1970s, most of the paints were made with lead. The homes painted before this period will surely have led-based paint, which have become quite harmful and lethal for health.
Plumbing: Lead pipes and solder were standard fixtures in homes, leading to the potential contamination of drinking water.
Cosmetics: Besides the inclusion of lead in homes and their fixtures, cosmetic products in the old times contained lead.
Soil: Years of using lead-based gasoline and other industrial activities have left residues in the ground. The same can be easily inhaled and ingested, especially in children playing outdoors.
Impact of lead on our environment
Presence of lead and its particles have a profound effect on the environment. Some of the elements of nature affected by the presence of lead are:
Soil Contamination: Lead doesn't get decomposed and it remains infested in the soil for very long time. When high amounts of lead are present in the soil, it can affect the growth of plant ultimately impacting the food chain.
Water Contamination: The old lead pipes are responsible for lead leeching that gets mixed with drinking water sources. This is not just a concern for human life, but for the aquatic life and marine species as well.
Airborne lead: Due to the various industrial processes, lead gets mixed with the air we inhale. It affects the air quality and further helps in contaminating the whole environment.
Indoor air quality inspections in Coatesville PA will help you find out the presence of lead. Take the inspection and ensure that you are living in a healthy atmosphere.
