http://grn.com/epa/epa.html (PC Press Internet CD, 03/1996)
FACTS ABOUT LEAD
Lead is a soft, bluish metal found in the Earth's crust. It is virtually
indestructible and is nonbiodegradable. Manufacturers have used lead in
many different products, including paint, batteries, water pipes, solder,
pottery and gasoline. HUD estimates that 75% of the houses built in the
United States before 1978 contain some lead-based paint. In 1991, the
Secretary of HUD characterized lead poisoning as the "number one
environmental threat to the health of children in the United States." (ref:
Federal Register Vol. 59, No. 46 dated March 9, 1994) "One-sixth of all
children in the United States still have high levels of lead in their blood."
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HOW IS LEAD HARMFUL? Even very small amounts of lead can cause permanent harm.
CHILDREN who are poisoned by lead can suffer from:
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Lead can also cause:
In large doses, lead can cause
WHERE IS IT FOUND?
Lead based paint that is not intact can be a hazard. People are exposed
to lead not only through lead-paint based chips and flakes that you can
see, but also through the fine lead dust that forms. This lead can get on
carpets, floors, furniture, toys and other objects, as well as on the hands
of children and adults in the home. WHEN CHILDREN PUT THEIR HANDS, TOYS, OR
OTHER OBJECTS IN THEIR MOUTHS, THE LEAD DUST GETS INTO THEIR BODIES. Some
other sources of lead: - OLD TOYS AND FURNITURE painted with lead-based
paint. - FOOD AND LIQUIDS STORED IN LEAD-GLAZED POTTERY OR PORCELAIN OR IN
LEAD CRYSTAL. - HOBBIES THAT USE LEAD, SUCH AS MAKING POTTERY AND STAINED
GLASS, REFINISHING FURNITURE, AND INDOOR FIRING RANGES. - LEAD IN SOIL AND
WATER.
HOW THE HAZARDS OF LEAD EFFECT OUR LIVES
Originally scheduled to become effective on October 28, 1995, the
government has delayed the implimentation of the rules for at least six
months when, on behalf of the seller, Real Estate agents will be required
to distribute lead hazard pamphlets to potential purchasers and renters.
In addition, they will have to disclose any information provided to them by
the seller concerning the presence of known lead-based paint on a property.
They will also have to insure that the lead disclosure provision in the sales
contract is executed by the purchaser.
FOR SALES OF PRE-1978 PROPERTIES, the seller or agent must distribute a lead-hazard pamphlet, disclose any known lead hazards, and provide a 10-day, or mutually agreeable, period of time for a lead paint assessment or inspection. FOR PRE-1978 LEASED PROPERTIES, the lessor must provide a lead pamphlet and disclose any known lead hazards.
THE LEAD TESTER KIT
The Lead Tester Kit contains sealed pouches containing a chemical substance
, swab sticks, instructions and the complete text of the E.P.A. brochure,
"PROTECT YOUR FAMILY."
Instructions are easy. You simply mix the powder with a moistoned swab stock and apply to the surface to be tested. If within 60 seconds, the tip of the swab stick turns pinkish or reddish, the presence of lead is indicated. Note: A positive result does not reflect whether the amount of lead present is harmful. However, contact with lead in any amount should be avoided. THE KIT WILL TEST FOR FOR THE PRESENCE OF LEAD IN SOIL BUT IS NOT SUITED FOR WATER TESTING.
The Lead Tester Kit is 100% satisfaction guaranteed. If you are unsatisfied, you may return the unused pouches together with a letter of explanation and receive a refund of the purchase price.
Two Kits Available:
A. SIX (6) POUCH TESTING KIT FOR $19.95 OR
B. THREE (3) POUCH TESTING KIT FOR $12.95.
A copy of the full E.P.A. text release entitled 'PROTECT YOUR FAMILY' is available AT NO CHARGE. To receive a copy, e-mail us at leadtest@interramp.com and simply insert the word PROTECT in the subject line.
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Copyright 1996 Branch Information Services