Question: I’m very worried about possible lead exposure and wanted to ask you some questions. The good news is that I’m asymptomatic. I feel good. However, I noticed that there are painted chipped pieces of wall or sheet-rock in an air duct upstairs. From what I’ve read online, I think the place I’m renting (and living in) was built in 1970. So that’s before lead paint was banned in the US although I think it was being phased out by then. I’ve only lived here for about 10 weeks, and I’ve been away for roughly 4 of those weeks. But there is potentially a significant amount of paint being blown into the apartment from the duct. I’d like as much info. as you can give me about these questions.
-Can my primary care doctor do a blood lead test? Or would I have to go to a specialist? I called 2 local walk-in clinics but they said they don’t do blood lead tests. Do you think the doctor will do the test if I don’t have symptoms? I’m willing to pay for it if insurance won’t cover it.
-How long would it take to get the test results back?
-If I do have lead in my blood, would that mean it’s in my bones too? Or would not much have made it to the bones since the exposure is short-term?
-How bad are the outcomes of adult exposure to lead? I don’t have any symptoms now and hopefully I’ll be able to get this air duct thoroughly cleaned by a professional. However, I’m worried about long-term effects developing.
Thanks for your help!