MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Station residents should be aware that the Family Housing Office will soon mail notification of the hazards of lead-based paint in their homes.
With the safety and well being of residents and their families in mind, family housing is taking a proactive approach to resolving lead-based paint issues aboard the Station.
Each residence will receive a package in the mail, including an informational pamphlet titled 'Protecting your family from Lead in Your Home' and a form requiring a resident's signature.
Federal law requires that residents sign the 'Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards' to acknowledge their receipt of the information. The housing office requests that each resident sign and return the form in the envelope provided in the package.
In 1978 the United States government banned the use of lead based paint in homes.
However, there are some homes aboard the Station that were built after 1978 and may contain lead paint. The disclosure form will let residents know if and where lead-based paint hazards may be present in their quarters.
In good condition, lead based paint is not a hazard. The danger lies in its deterioration.
When the paint begins to peel, chip, chalk, crack or becomes damaged, people may be exposed to dangerous particles. Lead dust can form when the paint is dry-scraped, dry-sanded or heated.
"The actual hazard is minimal," said Lt. Eugene Garland, Branch Medical Clinic environmental health officer. "Exposure only occurs through ingesting or inhaling deteriorated lead-based paint chips or paint dust. Exposure can potentially cause health issues that vary from children to adults and depends on the length and degree of exposure."
Residents who are aware of any potential lead hazards or would like to find out more information on the subject are encouraged to contact the Family Housing Welcome Center at 253-5541, the Preventive Medicine Department at 253-2419 or the environmental health officer at the Branch Medical Clinic at 253-3419.