Volume 124 Issue 136
kansan.com
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Tuesday, April 17, 2012
TIME FOR IMPROVEMENT
Weekend victory can be used as momentum
PAGE 8
SUMMER IS COMING
How to spend it productively
PAGE 5
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
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CAMPUS
ENVIRONMENT
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2012
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
PAGE 17
HEALTH
Landlords educate renters over harms of lead paint
Students unaware of lead paint in their homes may be at risk for lead poisoning, should be aware of severe symptoms
KAYLA BANZET
kbanzet@kansan.com
When Sarah Stephens and her roommate moved into their apartment last August they were both handed information on lead-based paint. They were told that their apartment could contain lead-based paint on the walls.
Even though lead exposure can be seriously harmful to someone's health, the two roommates didn't pay any mind to the pamphlet.
"I'm not too concerned," Stephens said. "When we first moved in I was a little worried but I sort of forgot about it later."
Since 1996 landlords must provide renters with information on the possibility of being exposed to lead-based paint. They are required to give their renters a pamphlet. Renters receive these pamphlets but may not know all of the facts of what they could be exposed to.
Houses and buildings built before 1978 could have lead-based paint, which can be harmful to people's health. Knowing the facts about lead could prevent dangers to people's physical health.
The University of Kansas'
"Children who live in these homes are a big concern to us. It can affect the development of the child."
Timothy Jackson, an assistant professor in chemistry, said when someone has been overexposed to lead or has lead poisoning there will be symptoms.
"Someone who has lead poisoning will have low iron levels in their system," Jackson said. "Iron deficiency can possibly lead to anemia."
If the paint is left alone the exposure in the air should be minimal but if the lead becomes airborne overexposure to the lead can make a renter ill.
Environment, Health & Safety department, located in Burt Hall, specializes in many hazardous materials. Dan Narcomey, asbestos and lead manager for EHS, said it is important to stay informed.
According to the Kansas Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Prevention website other symptoms include headache, lack of appetite, vomiting, fatigue, stomachache, constipation or seizures. If these symptoms are not treated it could land someone in the hospital.
A mistake that many people make when dealing with lead-based paint is trying to remove the paint themselves. Scraping and picking at the paint can cause serious problems. Nacomey said it's best to leave it alone.
Exposure can be dangerous at any age. Jackson said he has not seen many studies on the age of the person but children are normally affected more when it comes to exposure. Narcomeye agrees and says children are a main concern.
"You should not let the paint become airborne," Narcomey said. "If you want the paint removed you should definitely leave it to the professionals."
"Children who live in these homes are a big concern to us," Narcomey said. "It can affect the development of the child."
"There are still problems with lead-based paint today." Narcomey said. "If you are concerned with lead consult your landlord or a professional."
DAN NARCOMY
Asbestos and lead manager, University En-
vironment, Health and Safety department
Not only can lead poisoning occur through the air but it can also be introduced to the body through ingestion.
"Another way that one could get lead poisoning is by eating paint chips that have lead-based paint in it," Jackson said.
If a person decides to
paint their walls they should take caution Painting over lead-based paint could possibly chip the paint away. However, it is a good way to keep the paint from chipping.
"Painting over the walls can keep the paint fresh." Narcomey said. "If the walls become too dry they can crack and chips could fall off."
Knowing the facts about lead poisoning can be very helpful. Stephens says she is more aware now about the symptoms and possibilities, and says she appreciates the new found knowledge.
"I didn't know about the symptoms until now," Stephens said. "I'm not overly concerned but it is good to know about it."
For more information on lead-based paint and lead poisoning visit http://www. kshealthyhomes.org.
—Edited by Katie James
SYMPTOMS OF LEAD POISONING
— headache
— lack of appetite
— vomiting
— fatigue
— stomachache
— constipation
— seizures
CLAIRE HOWARD/KANSAN
Even though lead-based paints were banned for sale and use in the United States in 1979, consumers may still find lead in paint in their homes. Lead poisoning can cause all sorts of medical problems, from headaches to seizures.
to prevent it from leaking. The well casings are also designed to prevent leaking.
O'Lear said even if the chemicals used in the process don't leak into the main water supply, the millions of gallons of water
LEE/KANSAN at the second from 8 a.m. to
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between 2005 and 2009, at least 29 known carcinogens were being used in the chemical mixture to fracture. The chemicals are "regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) for their risks
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Kenyon Farrow, a writer, speaker and activist against HIV/AIDS, prisons, and homophobia speaks to students Monday night at the Ecumenical Campus Ministers about the rhetoric of African American homosexuals that is used within the community. Farrow spoke as part of KU's Queers & Allies Gaypril.
ASHLEIGH LEE/KANSAN
try leaders are cycling so they're said. "The companies hnology or dispose of
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and we have to figure out the best way to use it safely, no matter what kind of energy it is."
Edited by Gabrielle Schock
STUDENT SENATE
Meetings will vote on next year's chairs
Index
Senate committee meetings will meet Wednesday night to vote on next year's committee chairs.
Now that the student body elections are over, Student Senate will start to turnover and set up for next year.
CLASSIFIEDS 7
CROSSWORD 4
CRYPTOQUIPS 4
OPINION 5
The current chairs are Josh Dean for
All contents, unless stated otherwise. © 2012 The University Daily Kansan
finance, Aaron Harris for rights, Devon Cantwell for multicultural and Whiteee Douthitt for University affairs. Gabe Bliss, the outgoing student body vice president, said Dean and Douthitt are coming back next semester. Douthitt will retain her school of journalism senator seat after she won in last week's elections.
Joint Senate will be held on April 25. That will start with the outgoing Senate managing the meeting and close with the new Senate in session. The Senate will also confirm appointed Senate seats.
Vikaas Shanker
The Just in Time Career Fair is today from noon to 4 p.m. in the Kansas Union. Find a job!
Today's Weather
Decreasing clouds
Southerly winds 10-15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.
HI: 74
L0: 55
Nice day for a lovely stroll.