As most of my regular readers know I live in a shoe box. OK, not literally but it sure does feel that way. My family lives in a 900 square foot one bedroom condo. There are four of us (me, hubby and our two kids), four cats and a dog. I think even the dust bunnies have moved on to other condos because there is just no room here, not even for them.
Our condo complex was built in 1973. We also have a MASSIVE power line that cuts right through the middle of the complex. When I look out my balcony I’m staring face-to-face with huge power lines – literally! You can hear them crackling, even more so in the rain and snow. If you go to the bottom of the parking lot and touch anything metal you get shocked. If you walk in the grassy patch at the bottom of the parking lot your legs will feel all tingly as if something with spikes is crawling up and down your legs. Even better, bring an umbrella to the bottom of the parking lot in the rain and you can actually make a “Jacobs Ladder” happen at the metal tip.
Translation: NOT GOOD!!!
I worry each and every day about what these power lines are doing to us. I also worry about what can be lurking in these walls. Our buildings are old. They did not ban lead paint until 1978. Our building was built in 1973. I worry all the time that there might be lead based paint hiding underneath layers and layers of paint that previous residents used.
My kids show some of the symptoms of lead exposure poisoning. Especially our son. He was diagnosed with Aspergers but it makes me wonder if lead has anything to do with it too? He shows several symptoms from the list.
– Tiredness or loss of energy
– Hyperactivity
– Irritability or crankiness
– Reduced attention span
– Poor appetite
– Weight loss
– Reduced attention span
– Trouble sleeping
– Constipation
– Aches or pains in stomach
He’s been to the Pediatrician and has had blood work done but they have never shown any cause for concern as far as lead exposure is concerned. As a parent I am certainly concerned. Did you know that lead exposure can cause serious health problems including…
– Brain damage and lower intelligence
– Behavior and learning problems
– Hyperactivity
– Impaired speech and language
– Slowed growth
– Kidney and liver damage
– Hearing damage
I’m sure I’m just being a very overly sensitive and paranoid parent, but it’s still a very valid cause for concern. I’m not the only one concerned about lead exposure either.
The Ad Council, the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are trying to spread the word about the dangers of lead poisoning for children, and to encourage parents to take the first step to help eliminate childhood lead poisoning.LeadFreeKids.org is a new site that provides tips to learn more about how to eliminate childhood lead poisoning and offers action plans. You can also find additional information on their Facebook page where you can share your thoughts and experiences with other parents as well as connect with them on Twitter. The HUD’s Youtube Channel has entertaining videos which includes even more information and tips.
If you are a parent or grandparent you owe it to your children/grandchildren to know the facts about lead exposure and what you can do about it.
Please visit www.LeadFreeKids.org to learn more.
The Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning’s Facebook page is
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coalition-to-End-Childhood-Lead-Poisoning/109175572446226
You can also follow them on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/HealthyHousing.
Interesting and “must see” videos can be found on their official YouTube Channel,
http://www.youtube.com/user/hudchannel.
I encourage all my readers to know the facts about lead exposure and poisoning. The life you save could be your own. Lead exposure it dangerous for children and adults alike.
*I was not compensated for this post in any way. I posted this information for the benefit and education of my readers.