I grew up in an older home and my father Ed Levitch MHRIP was an Architect and remodeling contractor in and around Berkeley California and the surrounding cities since 1958. Growing up I learned so many things from him, he taught me the value of family, respect and everything I know today about remodeling homes safely.
I remember a time at Levco Builders when I received a call from a man who shared a personal story about lead poisoning. He thanked me for advocating for the rule. I assured him of my commitment to safety. I was an early supporter of the EPA’s RRP rule, and I’m still a strong advocate today for ensuring people are safe in their homes.
What is a Healthy Home?
We all believe our homes are healthy places but all too often the opposite is true. As a remodeling contractor too, I deal with it every day. From the materials we use to how they are installed and the environment we create within the envelope of your home is unbelievably important. The CDC describes a healthy home as “One that is designed, built, and maintained to support our health” I couldn’t agree more. The other pivotal moment in my quest to promote healthy homes was a document written by the then Surgeon General, Steven Galson in 2009 who articulated the need for a healthy housing stock. This blog is dedicated to all things related to healthy homes with an emphasis on lead, lead detection as well as protection of humans and pets.
A Visit To The Crawl Space
Nobody really wants to admit that they have one especially if you haven't been down there for a while or ever. I just bought a new to me 1988 home and what I found told a story. Fortunately, I had a prepurchase inspection and so there was not much shocking to deal...
Whole House Water Filters
Nothing gives a guy a warm fuzzy feeling than knowing that your home is protected by a whole house water filter. I took it one further and added a secondary filter beneath the sink that provides water to a drinking spigot and the ice maker in my fridge. All is good...
I Bought A Cool Tool
I recently replaced a Garbage Disposal for a friend and struggled to get the darn thing attached to the collar. Then once installed, I realized that I had not installed the little protective rubber piece that keeps big things from falling in and pieces from shooting...
Tell Me About Garbage Disposals
These things were designed as a convenience and have essentially become a necessity. There are all kinds of them, you get what you pay for. A steel interior will eventually rust. A stainless steel one will not rust. Cleaning them periodically with ice cubes and baking...
How Come My Water Pressure Is Low?
One of the silliest things I see is when the incoming water line is choked down for a valve then made larger again. What the hell were they thinking? This reduces the volume of available water or gas for that matter. This one goes from 3/4" down to 1/2" then back up...
The Location of Things Matters
I tend to be very observant. I am always on the lookout for a good story. This one got me chuckling. I went to pump down and disconnect an AC compressor from a home that we were going to do a significant remodel to. I noticed that the unit was quite filthy. A filthy,...
Recent Posts
Stay in touch
Sign up to stay in the know. We only share educational content and information. We don't believe in spam.
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Lead Locators. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
What Is The Lumetallix Solution?
Great question. The answer is a double entendre. On the one hand, it is a solution (a chemical in a bottle). It is also a solution to reveal where lead lurks in our ecosystem. The results will amaze you. The solution is called Lumetallix. It is a transparent liquid...
Light Reading On Leaded Children
I was captivated by an investigative piece published by Reuters in 2016. It essentially says we have an epidemic when it comes to lead, and lead testing in America has gone to hell in a handbasket. Comon Sense Is Not That Comon You tend to duck and cover when...
Crash Reconstruction Findings
Years ago, I had an incident flying into a backcountry airstrip as a Flight Paramedic, and that reminded me of what is happening with Lead in the USA. I was sitting in the co-pilot seat, and it was pitch black. We had just done a hot refuel at the back pad and, at the...
Medical Director Revealed
When Lead Locators was established in 2013, I asked my friend and family pediatrician to be my medical director. He agreed and was always there to be the voice of reason, professionally and personally. At the time, Lead Locators was focused on lead testing. Now that...