Lead-Based Paints

By: Staci Sweet

Problem: Lead is a heavy soft malleable ductile plastic and has been used in paint to protect wood from water damage.  The problem with it is when it peels and is ingested; the results can cause lead poisoning and serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website, “lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death.²” With more than 85% of the homes in Fair Park, not including public housing complexes, it is safe to assume that at least half or 50% of the population, 18,039 out of 36,077³, people have been exposed or experienced one or more of the problems associated with lead-based paints. As lead is a known cause of behavioral and learning disabilities, this could explain why approximately 58% of the population have less than a high school education⁴. 

Solutions:

1. Create a statewide program by way of a liaison to work with paint suppliers in order to provide owner discounts and tax breaks for the suppliers.
2. Pass legislation to mandate property owners of homes built before 1978 to not only disclose the use of lead-based paints, but to have a financial responsibility if a person under the age of 18 is tested positive for lead and have lived in the residence for specified amount of time.
3. After the passing of such legislation, have school districts require lead screenings for K-12 students. 

SOURCES:

^{1, 4} "Fair Park Neighborhood in Dallas, Texas (TX), 75210, 75215, 75223, Subdivision Profile - Real Estate, Apartments, Condos, Homes, Community, Population, Jobs, Income, Streets." Stats about All US Cities - Real Estate, Relocation Info, House Prices, Home Value Estimator, Recent Sales, Cost of Living, Crime, Race, Income, Photos, Education, Maps, Weather, Houses, Schools, Neighborhoods, and More. Advameg Inc. Web. 26 Jan. 2012. <http://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/Fair-Park-Dallas-TX.html>. Note: Not credible source

² "Lead in Drinking Water | Lead | US EPA." Home | Water | US EPA. Web. 26 Jan. 2012. <http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/index.cfm>.Note: Source not evaluated

³ Regional Census Bureau 214-253-4400 Phone Interview w/Partnership and Data Department