Is Lead paint and renovating pre-1978 homes safe during pregnancy?
Don't remove or sand old paint yourself. Leave the house while lead paint is removed or cleaned up, and use certified pros.
What the sources say
CDC says most lead comes from paint in homes built before 1978 and that sanding or scraping creates lead dust; if pregnant or breastfeeding, leave the house while lead paint is removed, cleaned up, or a room that might have lead paint is remodeled, and have pre-1978 homes checked by a licensed inspector. MotherToBaby: lead crosses the placenta and high levels are linked to miscarriage, preterm birth and low birth weight; removal should be done by certified professionals. Breastfeeding is generally OK when maternal blood lead is under 40 mcg/dL.
Also listed as
lead dust, lead exposure, lead paint, lead paint removal, lead paint renovation, lead-based paint, old house renovation, pre-1978 home, renovating old house, sanding old paint, scraping old paint
Sources
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.