If you were a child that lived or went to daycare/school on George AFB, before 1978, you were probably exposed to unsafe levels of lead-based paint (LBP). The buildings constructed before 1978, when the DOD banned the use of LBP, are likely to contain one or more coats of LBP. In addition, some facilities constructed immediately after the ban may also contain LBP, because the inventories of these paints that were in the supply network were likely to have been used up at these facilities.
Completed Exposure Pathway (CEP)
Lead-based paint (LBP) at George AFB provided a Completed Exposure Pathway (CEP) to children under 6 years of age.
ATSDR’s Public Health Assessment (PHA) for George AFB
The DoD and Air Force failed to notify the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) about the children’s possible exposure to lead-based paint (LBP) at the Base Family Housing and other facilities regularly occupied by children under 6 years of age, including Child Development Centers. Additionally, because the Air Force did not correct the ATSDR during the Peer Review / Public Comments period or after the report was published in 1998, the Air Force lied by omission.
ATSDR - Public Health Assessment (PHA) for George AFB (PDF 3.36 MB)
HUD – About Lead-Based Paint
Lead is a highly toxic metal that may cause a range of health problems, especially in young children. When lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, like the kidneys, nerves and blood.
Lead may also cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures and in extreme cases, death. Some symptoms of lead poisoning may include headaches, stomachaches, nausea, tiredness and irritability. Children who are lead poisoned may show no symptoms.
Both inside and outside the home, deteriorated lead-paint mixes with household dust and soil and becomes tracked in. Children may become lead poisoned by:
- Putting their hands or other lead-contaminated objects into their mouths,
- Eating paint chips found in homes with peeling or flaking lead-based paint, or
- Playing in lead-contaminated soil
Take a moment to look at the brochure “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” for additional information (available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Somali and Arabic).
What can you do?
If your home was built before 1978:
- Wipe down flat surfaces, like window sills, with a damp paper towel and throw away the paper towel,
- Mop smooth floors (using a damp mop) weekly to control dust,
- Take off shoes when entering the house
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery to remove dust,
- If possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or a “higher efficiency” collection bag,
- Pick up loose paint chips carefully with a paper towel and discard in the trash, then wipe the surface clean with a wet paper towel,
- Take precautions to avoid creating lead dust when remodeling, renovating or maintaining your home,
- Test for lead hazards by a lead professional. (Have the soil tested too).
For your child:
- Have your child’s blood lead level tested at age 1 and 2. Children from 3 to 6 years of age should have their blood tested, if they have not been tested before and:
- They live in or regularly visit a house built before 1950,
- They live in or regularly visit a house built before 1978 with on-going or recent renovations or remodeling
- They have a sibling or playmate who has or did have lead poisoning
- Frequently wash your child’s hands and toys to reduce contact with dust,
- Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking
Source accessed on: 20 Dec 2015 http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/healthy_homes/healthyhomes/lead
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