Do you own a commercial building and believe it might contain lead paint? It is important to take the proper precautions when dealing with this hazardous material. In many cases, lead paint can go unnoticed by a building’s occupants — Luce Air Quality wants to change that!

Our team of indoor air quality experts is here to help guide you through understanding what indicators show whether or not your commercial property may be at risk from containing lead paint and how best to proceed if so!

What Is Lead Paint?

As stated by the International Pollutants Elimination Network, “Lead was often added to paint in order to speed up the paint’s drying process, increase its durability, maintain a fresh appearance, and resist any moisture that could cause corrosion.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust are some of the most widespread and hazardous sources of lead exposure for young children in the United States.
• Lead-based paints were banned for residential use in 1978. Homes built in the U.S. before 1978 are likely to have some lead-based paint.
• When the paint peels and cracks, it makes lead paint chips and dust. Any surface covered with lead-based paint where the paint may wear by rubbing or friction is likely to cause lead dust.

If your commercial building is older, or built before the late 70s, it’s a good idea to have the area inspected for any traces of lead to ensure a safe working environment for everyone.

What are the Risks?

The health risks associated with lead exposure, no matter how little it may be, should be taken seriously! There is no safe level of lead exposure and, over time, these risks can grow more and more.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Once lead enters the body, it is distributed to organs such as the brain, kidneys, liver, and bones. The body stores lead in the teeth and bones, where it accumulates over time.”

Some serious health risks resulting from lead exposure include:

• For children, lead exposure can result in impacted brain development, reduced intelligence, behavioral changes, reduced educational attainment, and even convulsions.
• Lead exposure also causes anemia, hypertension, renal impairment, immunotoxicity, and toxicity to the reproductive organs. The neurological and behavioral effects of lead are believed to be irreversible.

How Luce Air Quality Can Help

If you suspect your commercial building could contain traces of lead, Luce Air Quality is here to help!

From our lead inspection services to our healthy building checkups, you can rest assured that our team of certified indoor environmental experts will solve all of your air quality problems, so you can stay healthy at work!

If you’re ready to take the next step in protecting your building from the presence of lead or if you have any questions, contact the Luce Air Quality team today or call 904-803-1014! If finances are tight, Luce Air Quality proudly offers financing options — because everyone deserves answers.