Lead Paint and Pets

Lead paint was widely used up until 1978 when it was outlawed for consumer use. Since then, the number of buildings with lead paint has significantly dropped. However, lead paint is still prevalent in homes, commercial buildings and schools built before 1978. When it comes to keeping you and your family safe from lead hazards it is crucial to know the age of your home, the condition of the paint in and around your home, and the health of everyone inside your home. A blood lead level of 3.5 ug/ dL is considered toxic for children according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). But when it comes to pets, what steps should you take to ensure their health and safety?

For starters, pets can be exposed just like anyone else: via lead dust in the air, lead paint chips on the ground, painted surfaces, or even lead toys and household items. Lead can be present almost anywhere, and the older your home is, the higher the likelihood is that you will encounter lead within your home. Aside from the usual exposures from dust, paint chips and toys, here are some other ways for your pet to be exposed:

• Licking paws, fur and tails that have been exposed to lead dust or paint chips.
• Tracking paint chips or dust into the house from outside.
• Frolicking in the street or garden after a storm.
• Playing with rambunctious children around lead hazards
• Chewing non-animal toys or household items such as lead bullets, pellets, fishing sinkers, batteries, or imported toys.

Pets such as dogs and cats will have a higher chance of exposure due to their natural curiosity as puppies and kittens— but any pet that has fur and roams freely around the house is still just as likely to be exposed. Combine their great sense of smell with that natural curiosity, and the unique metallic sweetness of lead—you’ll have a recipe for disaster on your hands! Some lead poisoning symptoms to look out for if you think your pet has been exposed include:

• Sudden vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Confusion

Depending on the level of exposure, these symptoms can range in severity and how quickly they present themselves. Some other, more serious neurological signs to look for include:

• Axia, or walking uncoordinated.
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Behavioral changes like aggression or timidness

There are several ways you can help your pet if you believe they have been exposed, or if they are starting to show signs of lead poisoning, but it is imperative that you act swiftly. First, take your pet to a veterinarian to confirm whether they have been poisoned, and to what degree. Next if the source of the poisoning has been identified, contain it as best as possible. Finally, contact AAA Lead Inspections to learn more about preventative measures and to schedule a home inspection.