Sweet Orange

Recently, I wrote about some new laws that went into effect on January 1 and apply to the real estate industry. A new law that applies to the building and remodeling industries also went into effect.

Before January 1, all pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fixtures and other fixtures that might become wet were allowed up to a total contain of 8% lead. On January 1, 2010, the allowed amount was reduced to 0.25%.

I am sure that there are differencing opinions on what amount of lead would be harmful. But, no matter what that level is, exceeding that amount can result in the following:

Lead can increase blood pressure and cause fertility problems, nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain, irritability, and memory or concentration problems. It takes a significantly greater level of exposure to lead for adults than it does for kids to sustain adverse health effects.–”Lead and Your Health,” National Institute of Environmental Health Science  (NIEHS)

As the NIEHS quote states, lead poisoning can be particularly harmful to children. The KidsHealth website provides more information on this:

Lead poisoning can lead to a variety of health problems in kids, including:

• decreased bone and muscle growth
• poor muscle coordination
• damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and/or hearing
• speech and language problems
• developmental delay
• seizures and unconsciousness (in cases of extremely high lead levels)
  –”Lead Poisoning,” KidsHealth