Lead-Safe

Lead-Based Paint Hazards

Hidden Dangers of Lead Based Paint

Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. The older the home, the higher the likelihood of lead-based paint or elevated levels of lead dust. Lead hazards are created when paint is in poor condition—such as peeling, chipping, cracking, or chalking—or when it’s located on surfaces that experience friction or impact, like windows and doors. Lead-contaminated dust and soil are also significant lead hazards.

Lead paint isn’t always visible, but even small amounts of lead dust can pose serious health risks, especially to children under the age of 6. Lead dust is often created by the friction of moving parts, such as windows and doors, and can enter the body when inhaled.

To protect children from lead poisoning, it’s essential to identify potential lead hazards in your home and take steps to address them. Immediate actions include limiting access to areas with lead paint and using wet cleaning methods to reduce dust. For long-term solutions, options like installing new windows and doors or encapsulating lead paint should be handled by a certified lead abatement professional.

Selma’s Lead-Safe Homes grant program is available to eligible homeowners to help cover the costs of this critical work and ensure homes are lead-safe for families.

How Does Lead Affect the Body?

Lead exposure can harm both children and adults, often without obvious symptoms until the damage is severe.

In Adults:   Lead can contribute to high blood pressure and kidney damage.

In Children:   Young children face higher risks, including:

  • Brain and nervous system damage
  • Delayed growth and development
  • Learning and behavioral challenges
  • Speech and hearing issues

Common Symptoms of Lead Poisoning:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Reduced IQ and cognitive function
  • Fatigue and lack of energy
  • Headaches
  • Stomach cramps
  • Constipation
  • Kidney damage

Who Is Most at Risk?

Children Under 6:  Young children living in homes built before 1978 with peeling or chipping paint face the highest risk.

  • Workers in Lead-Related Jobs: Occupations such as painting, remodeling, or working in smelters or battery plants increase the risk of lead exposure.
  • Home Remodelers: Individuals working on older homes with lead-based paint may be exposed, especially if safety precautions aren’t followed.

Additionally, family members can be exposed to lead dust during renovations or abatement if proper lead-safe practices aren’t used.

Lead in Older Homes

Lead was commonly used in paint until it was banned in 1978. The older the home, the higher the likelihood of lead-based paint. Paints containing as much as 50% lead were widely used through the 1950s.

Special Considerations for Pregnant and Nursing Women

Lead exposure during pregnancy or while nursing can harm the unborn baby or young child, leading to developmental and health issues. It’s crucial to identify and address lead hazards in homes to protect both children and adults.

Danielle Wooten Director of Planning and Development

Danielle Wooten

Director of Planning and Development

Contact

Danielle Wooten

Danyell S. Washington
Program Manager
Phone: (334) 327-1710
Email: leadprograms@selma-al.gov

Nakia Johnson
Rehabilitation Technician
Phone: (334) 327-1609
Email: leadtech@selma-al.gov

Address:

Planning and Development
Department
222 Broad Street
Selma, Alabama 36701 

Lead-Safe