Home improvement shows are always encouraging us to visit flea markets, yard sales and even junk yards or landfills in search of the perfect antique for our decorating needs. While old furniture and accessories are trendy and economical, the potential of lead poisoning is real.
Thought to be a problem of lower income families living in older homes, many middle-income families are now faced with the possibility of lead poisoning introduced into the home through painted antiques like window frames, shudders, toy wagons and even dishes. The problem was brought to light by researchers in the Journal of Environmental Health.
Regulation by the U.S. government in the 1970’s made it illegal to sell paint with more than 600 parts per million of lead. Manufacturing lead paint is still legal for craft, hobby and marine uses. However, the federal government does not regulate the sale of used items.
Exposure to lead paint can reduce a child’s IQ by ten points. It can also cause anemia and even brain cancer. Lead can be either ingested or inhaled to cause poisoning, and there is no treatment for it. Paint that is cracked or peeling is most dangerous.
Shellacking is recommended for safe handling, but it can decrease the value of some antiques. Sanding is not recommended, since it introduces lead particles into the air that can be breathed or swallowed.
While we love for our children to play with the toys of yesterday, make sure the item is free of lead-based paint. Also, check for lead before using antique dishes.
Swabs to check for lead in a painted item can be found at most paint and home improvement stores. If an item containing lead is kept for decoration and isn’t shellacked, use care that kids and pets can’t reach it. When handling the item yourself, be sure to avoid breathing or swallowing paint chips no matter how small.