Science Daily (May 3, 2008) — Ripping out and tearing down to create a divinely designed home, a la HGTV, is all the rage today — and the economic downturn may be leading more families to renovate rather than relocate. But a new study has found that parents need to be aware that all this interior renovation can put their children’s health at risk due to exposure to lead.

A study published recently by researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center found that this process can increase children’s exposure to lead.  Abnormal lead levels have been found to result in ADHD symptoms.  If parents have any concern regarding their child’s exposure to lead, they should discuss it with their child’s physician.  A simple laboratory test can determine the presence of lead toxicity.  If you are considering renovating your house, you can learn more from the Science Daily article.

A recent Associated Press article reports that a study conducted at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center estimated that lead levels of more than 1.3 micrograms per deciliter may account for more than 500,000 cases of ADHD among children ages 8 to 15 nationwide.

This research is consistent with previous findings.  A recent article in Science Daily on a similar study conducted in 2007 by Michigan State University provides additional information on this topic.  Parents who suspect their child may have been exposed to lead around their home or some other location should share their information with their child’s physician.