Lead-based Paint
- The federal government banned lead-based paint from use in housing in 1978, but many homes and apartments built before 1978 still contain lead-based paint.
- Lead-based paint can be found inside and outside of single family homes, apartments, and both public and private housing built before 1978. It can also be found in homes that are in the city, country, or suburbs.
- Dust from lead-based paint is the most common source of lead poisoning for children in the United States.
- Home renovation and repair activities that disturb lead-based paint can put children at risk for exposure to hazardous lead dust if not done properly.
Ways to Prevent Lead-Based Paint Exposure:
- Determine the construction year of the house or the dwelling where your child spends a large amount of time (e.g., grandparents or daycare).
- Consider testing your home for lead-based pain and dust by an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified lead risk assessor or inspector.
- Make sure your child does not have access to chipping, peeling, or chalking paint or chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint.
- Create barriers between living/play areas and lead sources.
- Children and pregnant women should not be present during renovations in housing built before 1978.
Soil Outside
- Children playing in the yard of a home can ingest or inhale lead dust from contaminated soil. Soil can contain lead from exterior paint. Soil may be contaminated with lead from the past use of leaded gas in cars.
Ways to Prevent Lead Exposure from Soil:
- Regularly wash children's hands and toys.
- Prevent children from playing in bare soil.
Drinking Water
- Plumbing may have lead or lead solder which can contaminate your water.
- You cannot see, smell, or taste lead.
- Boiling your water will not get rid of lead.
- Call your local health department or water supplier to find out about testing your water for lead.
Ways to reduce lead exposure from drinking water:
- Use only cold water. Hot water is more likely to contain higher levels of lead.
Jobs and Hobbies
- Some hobbies that use lead include making pottery, stained glass, jewelry making, refinishing furniture, and home repair. There are other hobbies that use lead.
- Some jobs that involve lead include battery recycling or manufacturing, smelting or welding, heating/air conditioning or ventilation maintenance, auto/radiator repair, and bridge painting. There are other jobs that use lead.
Ways to reduce lead exposure from jobs and hobbies:
Avoid taking lead dust home from work or hobby sites.
- Household members who come in contact with lead through work or a hobby should change clothes and shower after finishing a task that involves lead-based products. Wash work clothes separately from the rest of your family's laundry.
Consumer Products
- Some painted toys and old furniture contain lead.
- Traditional home remedies, imported candies, and some cookware may also contain lead.
Ways to reduce lead exposure from Consumer Products:
- Avoid using containers, cookware, or tableware that are not been shown to be lead free.
- Remove recalled toys from children immediately.
- If you are concerned that a product you own may contain If you are concerned that a product you own may contain lead, you can have it tested.
- Laboratory testing is the most accurate method for determining if a product has lead. Use the internet or phone book to find a laboratory in your area.
- In-home testing kits are also available at local hardware stores. Be aware that these kits only test the surface for lead and are not considered the most reliable method for determining the presence or absence of lead in a product.
Foods and Liquids Stored In Lead Crystal or Lead-Glazed Pottery or Porcelain
- Food may become contaminated when lead leaches from these containers.
Avoid using containers, cookware, or tableware that has not been shown to be lead free.
