It’s easy to think that if you can’t see it, you can’t smell it, and you can’t taste it, there isn’t a chemical contamination issue in your home, school, or place of business. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. If you are concerned about whether you and your loved ones are exposed to lead and other toxic substances, Benchmark Environmental Engineering can safely test your home or office in the San Jose, CA area.
But who is most at risk for lead poisoning, and how can you tell when it’s time to test?
Keeping Children, Seniors & Pregnant Women Safe
Children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk of being poisoned by lead, even if they are only exposed to a small amount. To make matters worse, low levels of lead can severely interfere with critical periods of brain development in young children and unborn babies, which is why it’s imperative to get your home tested if you already have kids or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
That being said, lead poisoning can affect anyone, regardless of age—even healthy adults can suffer serious health consequences from acute and long-term exposure to heavy metals.
What Are The Dangers Of Lead Exposure?
The effects of lead exposure can vary depending on your age, health, how much lead you have been exposed to, and how long the exposure was. Acute poisoning and long-term exposure are both dangerous, as they put you and your family at risk of a wide range of severe health issues, including:
- Anemia
- High Blood Pressure
- Kidney Damage
- Male & Female Infertility
- Miscarriages, Stillbirths, & Birth Defects
- Brain & Nervous System Damage
- Learning Difficulties & Behavioral Problems (In Children)
- Seizures, Comas, & Death
Environmental Testing For Lead Paint
Depending on where you live and when your house was built, you may be at a greater risk of being exposed. For instance, homes built before 1978 are more likely to contain lead paint, which is especially dangerous if you have children since paint chips often taste mildly sweet.
Moreover, if you built your home in the 80s and 90s, the pipes may contain heavy metals that can leach into your drinking water.
Is There Lead In Your Drinking Water?
Even if your house is relatively new, it is still possible for your water supply to contain toxic substances if nearby dwellings or industrial buildings still have lead pipes. Thus, you may consider contacting your local water authority to determine whether you live in an at-risk neighborhood. Since it is impossible to see, smell, or taste lead in your water, it’s vital to get your home tested if it is old or the regional water authority recommends it.
Get Comprehensive Environmental Testing In San Jose
Benchmark Environmental Engineering can safely and effectively inspect your property if you are concerned about the possibility of lead exposure. Don’t take chances with your health—contact us today to get your San Jose area home tested for lead and other hazardous substances as soon as possible.