Examining the Hidden Health Dangers in a House

It was love at first sight when I found my home 25 years ago! But living in an older home, I have always had some health concerns. Is there mold lurking?  Is my electrical service safe? Is that asbestos on those pipes?

Is there lead paint on the woodwork? Years of renovations and refurbishing have addressed most of these problems, but I was surprised to learn that the danger of lead can be ever present.

Now, I don't want to panic anyone, but if you live in an older home, especially if it was built before 1930, there is a really good chance you have lead pipes.

Even copper piping may have been soldered with a lead based compound and this can leach into the water you and your children drink. Lead has been banned in solder since the 1980's, so if your pipes were installed later, you're safe. In homes of early vintage, and even into the 1950's, lead based paints were used both inside and out.

If you buy and use ceramic dinnerware from China and Mexico, you may be innocently eating off of plates and drinking from cups containing lead in their glazes and in the pottery itself. 

Costume jewelry is another hidden culprit. A friend of mine nearly lost her beloved  Blue and Gold Macaw when the parrot playfully chewed on her earring. It took months of care for the bird to recover.  Lead is a highly toxic metal that was, in part, responsible for the fall of the Roman Empire.

Elite Romans of both sexes used lead based powders on their skins as make-up. This lead to poisoning not only of the wearers, but also their children who absorbed the lead in the womb. The lead in their brains caused madness and eventual death.  It so weakend the Romans that they were ultimately unable to defend the Empire.

According to Phyllis A. Balch's masterwork "Prescription for Nutritional Healing", lead, once in the body, is not eliminated through the normal digestive channels.  Instead, it attaches to tissues and "hides" there for years. It is virtually indistinguishable from calcium to your body and it can build up during a lifetime.

Moments of stress, illness, pregnancy and other life challenges, can cause it to release into the bloodstream and  enter your bones, wreaking havoc with your health.  

Symptoms of lead poisoning include lethargy and an inability to concentrate, weight loss, loss of hair and bluing of the gums. Some may also experience severe gastrointestinal distress, cramping , bloating and diarrhea. It's particularly severe in children, whose tiny systems absorb far more lead than do adults. This can lead to problems with brain development and lead to mental and emotional disabilities.

If you have an older home or you recognize any of the behaviors I mentioned, it's a good idea to check yourself and your home for lead. Removal  of paint should be left to professionals as scraping and burning off lead paint can lead to self poisoning.

Never drink your tap water in the morning unless you have let it run for at least three minutes. Don't over boil water because it concentrates contaminants.

To purify water, you may use ten drops of Grapefruitseed extract to a gallon of water, add and shake well. To be really safe, get a good water filter and use it. Whole house systems can run in the thousands, but many over the counter filters are just as efficient.

Lead crystal decanters and drink ware may be beautiful, but they can also be deadly if you store your alcoholic beverages and wine in them. Wipe the spout of your wine bottle before pouring...there's lead in the seals!

Have beautiful antique china? Better save it for display.  Lead glazes were widely used in their manufacture. Turning those plastic bags inside out and storing foods is pound foolish! The printed labels on the bags contain lead based inks.  

If you have lead poisoning or any heavy metal in your system, chelation can help to remove it safely. Beta Glucans is also another way to protect yourself from poisoning. Your health care practitioner can give you more tips on living safely without lead.

You can test your water for lead with any number of kits sold on-line and Culligan offers free water testing. It's amazing how many everyday items can contain hidden lead. I hope I've given you some easy ways to be safer and healthier.

Dr. Kleine regrets she cannot give advice by phone or e-mail. To make an appointment call 631.472.8139 or e-mail us at Drfootsi@myway.com.