What You Need to Know About Lead

Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes. It was banned for residential use in 1978. Any home built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Homes built before 1950 are more likely to contain higher levels of lead.

Lead in dust is the most common way people are exposed to lead. Lead is most dangerous when it is in the form of dust or fumes. Lead dust pollutes the air, soil, household dust, and any surface it lands on. Lead dust contaminates floors, counter tops, furniture, toys, shelves, books, pets, and people. Lead dust comes from deteriorating lead-based paint and lead-contaminated soil that gets tracked into the home and is often invisible. Lead gets into the body when it is swallowed or inhaled. Children are particularly vulnerable because they tend to play a lot on the floor. Children also tend to place objects in their mouths. The easiest way for a child to become lead poisoned is by hand-to-mouth activity.

Lead can affect children's brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies. Children under six are most easily damaged by lead because their bodies are still developing both physically and mentally. Children absorb up to 50% of the lead that they ingest.

Lead is also harmful to adults. In adults, low levels of lead can pose many dangers, including: high blood pressure and hypertension. Pregnant women exposed to lead can transfer lead to their fetuses. A pregnant woman’s body absorbs 50% of the lead that she takes in.