Warning of DIY danger over lead poisoning

Do-it-yourselfers are being warned to take care when renovating old homes after two cases of lead poisoning in Hawke's Bay last month.

Neither required hospital treatment but untreated lead poisoning can cause brain damage in children or even death.

Health protection officer Noel Watson said both cases involved people working on their own homes.

When the Public Health Unit was notified of a case of lead poisoning, it tried to identify the source and took steps to clean up, reduce exposure or change people's behaviour.

According to Occupational Safety and Health, preschoolers are especially at risk as they could swallow bits of paint or contaminated soil.

Until 1965 many paints on the New Zealand market had high lead levels, particularly those made before 1945.

It was safest to assume that any building more than 25 years old was painted with lead-based paint.

The symptoms were often vague, and included stomach pains, difficulty sleeping, constipation, loss of appetite and sometimes a metallic taste in the mouth.

Paint store owner Dave Wood said many people were not aware of the danger.

"The biggest risk is to kids -- lead accumulates in the body and affects the brain. As adults we urinate most of it out, but it does permanent damage to children."

The key piece of advice was to contain paint scrapings or dust, Mr Wood said.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY