Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. While it has some beneficial uses, it can be toxic to humans and animals, causing many adverse health effects.

Lead can be found in all parts of our environment – the air, soil, water, and even inside our homes. Much of our exposure comes from human activities in conjunction with the use of fossil fuels including past use of leaded gasoline, some types of industrial facilities and past use of lead-based paint in homes. Lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide variety of products found in and around our homes, including paint, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, solders, gasoline, batteries, ammunition, and cosmetics. Links (under Resources)

In 1977, lead paint (lead-containing paint) was banned in the United States and can no longer be used in residences, schools, hospitals, parks, playgrounds, public buildings or other areas where consumers have direct access to the painted surface. This ban also applies to furniture, toys and other articles intended for use by children (16 Code of Federal Regulations 1303).

All houses built before 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint. The deterioration of this paint results in elevated levels of lead-contaminated dust which can be inhaled or ingested (particularly by children). Over time, continued exposure can result in lead (heavy metal) poisoning and can cause serious health issues.

Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Babies and young children can also be more highly exposed to lead because they often put their hands and other objects that can have lead from dust or soil on them, into their mouths. Children may also be exposed to lead by eating and drinking food or water containing lead or from dishes or glasses that contain lead, inhaling lead dust from lead-based paint or lead-contaminated soil or from playing with toys with lead-based paint.

Adults may be exposed to lead by eating and drinking food or water containing lead or from dishes or glasses that contain lead. They may also breathe lead dust by spending time in areas where lead-based paint is deteriorating, and during renovation or repair work that disturbs painted surfaces in older homes and buildings. Working in a job or engaging in hobbies where lead is used, such as making stained glass, can increase exposure as can certain folk remedies containing lead. A pregnant woman’s exposure to lead from these sources is of particular concern because it can result in exposure to her developing baby.