|
In an ongoing effort to rid our homes of the dangers of lead poisoning, many homeowners have given no thought to the possible hazards that their Venetian blinds may offer. Older blinds may contain lead within their construction and, under certain conditions, may be a threat to the health and safety of those who come into contact with them. That having been said, there are ways in which to recognize the signs of blinds that contain this deadly element, as well as steps that can be taken if such evidence should become apparent.
If your Venetian blinds have been constructed from PVC plastic, this PVC plastic may have been stabilized with lead. You may be exposing yourself and your family to a potential hazard if this is the case. The phenomenon that occurs is that the blinds begin to deteriorate over time. Pay attention if you notice a dusty build-up on the slats. This dust is actually particles of lead, and they can be transferred to people and animals in many ways. A breeze can blow the particles into your rooms, causing you and your family to breathe them in. Or, you might rub against the blinds and the have the particles cling to hair or clothing. Everyday housekeeping such as dusting or vacuuming blinds can make the particles to become airborne.
When blinds, particularly those which are older, are showing signs of such build-up, they should be removed and immediately placed inside of a sealed plastic bag. By calling the local branch of the Environmental Protection Agency in your area, steps can be taken to have the blinds tested in order to determine if they, indeed, contain lead. If so, you'll be advised of the proper steps to take for the removal of any similar blinds that are in your home, as well as the best means for disposing of them.
After you have removed the blinds, thoroughly clean the entire area surrounding them: windows, window frames, window sills and the wall and floor surfaces nearby. Be sure to use protective gloves. If you have rugs, you should vacuum them thoroughly; if you have other surfaces such as vinyl or wood floors, use a damp mop to clean them.
Children who are under the age of six are at particular risk for lead poisoning and should have the lead concentrations in their blood measured. This is the only test that will definitively be able to detect the presence of excessive levels of lead in their bloodstream and, if medical professionals should attempt to convince parents of the lack of risk or discourage testing, simply insist that it be done. If the blinds have been tested by the EPA, request paperwork to indicate such, and bring it to the child's pediatrician. If the lead concentration is high enough, and it doesn't take much to put it over the top, then outside intervention will need to be sought.
Don't make the mistake of simply removing your old blinds from the windows and replacing them with newer models, disregarding the possible dangers that may lie within them. Without knowing it, you may be in danger of lead poisoning, especially if there are children in the home. Always check for the possibility of lead and take the necessary steps to eradicate all traces of it from your home environment. It may be inconvenient, but it can also save the life of a loved one.
Need a custom essays on
Health & Safety: Venetian Blinds and Lead Poisoning
Order a custom essay now! 
|
