• Editor’s Note: This is the first story in a series on National Lead Safety Awareness Week. Since lead poisoning is completely preventable, the Kane County Health Places Coalition is urging residents to recognize all sources of lead and take action to remove lead safely when repairing or renovating their homes.

When Brannon Anderson and her husband purchased a circa 1890s home in Geneva in 2008, they knew they were in for a challenge as they worked to renovate it. It wasn’t until they really started to get into the project that they realized the depth of the challenge.

When their son, Beckett, was 9 months old, tests confirmed that his blood contained high levels of lead.

That was nearly five years ago, and Brannon Anderson now considers herself an expert on spotting lead-based paint.

“Knowing what it looks like is most important. I can look for that alligator-skin checking. I didn’t know it before,” she said.

However, experts always recommend that the only sure way to determine if a surface has lead paint is through proper testing.

Fortunately, Beckett’s condition was discovered early and today shows no negative signs.

“He’s doing great,” Brannon Anderson said.

Since Beckett’s older sister has never showed any elevated lead levels, it was thought that Beckett may have been exposed in the yard while his father stripped paint off windows.

After his condition was discovered, the Andersons needed to continue to renovate the home, but fortunately were able to take some steps to protect their children. For example, they purchased a second washer and dryer that they placed in the garage, where her husband would change and wash his clothes to prevent bringing lead dust into the home.

• For additional lead safe tips for do-it-yourselfers, please click HERE.

The family had to complete the renovation themselves in accordance with the city’s historic guidelines, as they would not have been able to afford to bring in professional lead contractors. In the meantime, their physician has closely monitored Beckett’s condition. And his mother is big believer in reading to children as a way to keep their minds active.

“We read to them every day,” she said. “Having books in the home is important.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, protecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified.

Homes built before 1978 need to be checked for the possible existence of lead paint.

“I love that we live in an old house,” Brannon said, but added that it’s just important the proper precautions are taken during home improvement projects.

SOURCE: Kane County Health Department news release

Read The Series

• TODAY — Lead Poisoning in Kane County: Geneva Family Survives Scare
• WEDNESDAY — Lead Poisoning in Kane County: Real, Serious, Preventable
• THURSDAY — Lead Poisoning in Kane County: FREE Healthy Homes App Can Save Your Life