In the wake of highly publicized water-system problems in Flint, MI, Philadelphia City Council held a hearing in April discussing urban lead hazards. Experts reminded city officials that we know there are significant lead dangers to children in Philadelphia. In 2014, more than 3,000 children tested with elevated blood lead levels in Philadelphia, and 338 reported dangerous toxic levels (above 10 micrograms per deciliter). These statistics have remained at similar levels over 15 years. 

We have to remind ourselves repeatedly that this hazard is built into our homes and neighborhoods. 

Yes, there are some substandard water pipes in Philadelphia’s water distribution system, and a few older public buildings still have water fountains from which we should not drink. But the vast majority of homes in the city — by one estimate, 91 percent — were built before 1978, when lead was banned in paint, and therefore are likely to have lead paint somewhere. 

Lead was once added to paint and varnish for durability, but it now poses a risk to our children through the dust found around windows and doors, in yards and on sidewalks — dust particles that won’t degrade over time. 

Lead paint risks have been well-known since 1960. More recently, in 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency established a mandatory training and certification program that every working contractor in America should have passed by April 2010. The Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule requires every contractor who installs doors and windows, remodels or sands paint, to provide customer education, get a customer signature of understanding and employ special tools and techniques to reduce risks of creating and dispersing lead dust during and after a project. 

The EPA thinks the problem is serious, and if your child or grandchild tests with an elevated blood lead level, you likely agree it deserves proper management. 

If a child is found to have elevated blood lead levels, the parents are sent through a terrifying process of City Health Department “intervention.” This can include a costly and difficult process of investigating where the source of the lead. 

Often, lead dust is a byproduct of renovations and remodeling that did not include thorough post-demolition cleaning. As a certified EPA trainer, I can tell you that every day I see contractors all over the city whose work is in violation. Without using the correct methods or tools, know that wherever the dust flies it will contaminate your home, yard and neighborhood. 

Was your home built before 1978? Every professional handyman, remodeler or painter you work with should discuss this with you. Your house doesn’t have to be toxic if you and your home-improvement contractors know how to work, have the right tools and care about leaving the job site safe for children.