Lead Based Paint
Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found
in and around our homes. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from
behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death.
Children 6 years old and under are most at risk, because their bodies are
growing quickly. Lead-based paints were used in many homes prior to its
banning by the federal government in 1978. Lead-based paints, as the name
implies, contains lead. Many documented cases of lead poisoning can be
attributed to lead contamination resulting from the degradation of such
paints.

EPA is playing a major role in addressing these residential lead hazards. In
1978, there were nearly three to four million children with elevated blood
lead levels in the United States. By 2002, that number had dropped to
310,000 kids, and it continues to decline.

Lead poisoning can occur when lead dust is ingested if inhaled and the
concentration of lead in the body will grow over time with continued
exposure. Physical symptoms of lead poisoning in children can include:
damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems,
slowed physical development, hearing problems, and chronic headaches. Adults
are also affected and can have: difficulties during pregnancy, reproductive
problems, high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory
and concentration problems, muscle and joint pain.

Where is lead Found?

• In general, the older your home, the more likely it has lead-based paint.
• Paint. Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. The federal government banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978. Some states stopped its use even earlier.
  • Lead can be found:
    • In homes in the city, country, or suburbs.
    • In apartments, single-family homes, and both private and public housing.
    • Inside and outside of the house.
    • In soil around a home. (Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint, or other sources such as past use of leaded gas in cars.)
    • Household dust. (Dust can pick up lead from deteriorating lead-based paint
      or from soil tracked into a home.)
    • Drinking water. Your home might have plumbing with lead or lead solder. Call your local health department or water supplier to find out about testing your water. You cannot see, smell, or taste lead, and boiling your water will not get rid of lead. If you think your plumbing might have lead
      in it:
      • Use only cold water for drinking and cooking.
      • Run water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking it, especially if you have not used your water for a few hours.
      • The job. If you work with lead, you could bring it home on your hands or clothes. Shower and change clothes before coming home. Launder your work clothes separately from the rest of your family's clothes.
    • Old painted toys and furniture.
    • Food and liquids stored in lead crystal or lead-glazed pottery or
      porcelain.
    • Lead smelters or other industries that release lead into the air.
    • Hobbies that use lead, such as making pottery or stained glass, or refinishing furniture.
    • Folk remedies that contain lead, such as "greta" and "azarcon" used to treat an upset stomach.
       
• Where Lead is Likely to be a Hazard
  • Lead from paint chips, which you can see, and lead dust, which you can't
    always see, can be serious hazards.
  • Peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking lead-based paint is a hazard and needs immediate attention.
  • Lead-based paint may also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or that get a lot of wear-and-tear. These areas include:
    • Windows and window sills.
    • Doors and door frames.
    • Stairs, railings, and banisters.
    • Porches and fences.

    Note: Lead-based paint that is in good condition is usually not a hazard.
     

    Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is dry scraped, dry sanded, or
    heated. Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or rub together. Lead
    chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch. Settled
    lead dust can re-enter the air when people vacuum, sweep, or walk through
    it.
    
    Lead in soil can be a hazard when children play in bare soil or when
    people bring soil into the house on their shoes. Contact the National Lead
    Information Center (NLIC) to find out about testing soil for lead.