Showing posts with label house hunting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label house hunting. Show all posts

Lead Paint Warning

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We're in the middle of a house search. The one we are in is ideal. Just tiny for 10 of us.

Thus we receive occasional e-mails from realtors. I received one yesterday that was titled "Homes with Lead Paint." It was a helpful reminder to homebuyers to beware of lead paint. It was stunning how similar the issue of lead paint is to the issue of mold.

The dangers of lead paint were discussed as early as 1910. A hearing was conducted in the House of Representatives. At that time Marion E. Rhodes testified that, “the most eminent scientists and doctors of Great Britain…reached the conclusion that white lead is poison…the small particles that result from chalking…when taken by inhalation into the lungs, are absorbed and become poison to the system.” The bill was dismissed.

In 1921 the president of the National Lead Company stated in a letter to the head of Harvard Medical School that "manufacturers, as a result of fifty to sixty years experience, agree that lead is a poison when it enters the stomach of man."

Also in 1921, the Third International Labor Conference of the League of Nations held in Geneva banned lead-based paints from homes. The United States did not attend the Conference and did not agree to the resolution.

In fact, 56 years went by before the United States prohibited the use of lead paints. Not until 1977!

Thus when I received the e-mail yesterday and read the contents, I imagined what might happen in 20 years IF we wake up to this issue. This is the exact email I received with my changes in bold.

All sellers with homes built prior to 2015 are required to fill out a mold disclosure form and provide you, the buyer, with a mold educational booklet in any sale. Mold is highly toxic and is found in and around our homes. Mold may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children 6 years old and under are most at risk, because their bodies are growing quickly. If in doubt, have the house tested and evaluated at a local laboratory.
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Timeline of Events

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We are still searching for a place to settle. Today the realtor suggested adding a clause in the rental agreement which allows for a possible adverse health reaction. Seems like a good idea.

I have written a timeline which details the years preceding our journey to Arizona. It is titled "Our story" and can be accessed under Helpful Links. 
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Quick Update

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We came close to finding a home today. It was perfect with the exception of a steam shower/sauna in the home. The mildew smell in the shower is too risky for us.
We are learning so much about our specific needs. Lots of ceramic tile, little landscaping and lawn care, high ceilings, and out of the city. We have a realtor looking for us. She is going above and beyond. We have lost a number of critical things due to our flight from the rental home so we're trying to get new diabetes supplies, contact lenses and such.
The nurse from Kristen's cactus spine removal called me today. (see previous post: flip flops in the desert).She volunteered last week at the local Extreme Home Makeover location. She talked with the staff about our story. They told her to write a letter about us. I can't believe she tracked me down to ask for more information.
I know some of you are following us closely this weekend and I want to tell you how much I appreciate your concern.
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