Lead in building paints as a risk factor of human health

Hippokratia 2005, 9(2):60-64

SN Kamenopoulos


Abstract

Lead is a metallic element that has long been recognized as a health hazard especially to small children. Chronic exposure to lead causes damage to blood forming organs, kidneys and reproductive organs. The exposure to lead-based paint residential environments can be directly from painted surfaces or, more commonly, from dusts and soils that have been contaminated by lead-based paint. This article is an effort to describe current conditions in Greece concerning lead-based paints.