More on Lead Paint and Dust

More on Lead Paint and Dust
Lead in water
Lead in soil
Other lead sources

Even though Congress banned the residential use of lead-based paint in 1978, much of the country’s housing stock was built before that time. Lead-based paint, even if hidden under layers of newer lead-free paint, can break down because of age, poor maintenance, or household repairs and create a serious threat to the health of children. Lead dust is not the same as household dust. Lead dust is often invisible, heavier, and stickier and may exist in even the cleanest of homes.

Lead-poisoned children are typically poisoned by lead dust, although some children may eat paint chips (because of their sweet taste or from a condition called pica).Lead dust can also collect on hands and fingers, stuffed animals and other toys, clothing and blankets, furniture and other objects that can find their way onto a child’s hands or into a child’s mouth.

Intact lead based paint poses no health threat, but when it begins to chip, flake or peel, or when doors and windows with lead based paint open and close, dangerous lead dust is formed.

The most frequent causes of lead dust are:

• friction surfaces: window and door frames that rub together when opening and closing them
• impact surfaces: window and door jambs that can slam open or closed
• chewable surfaces: window sills, banisters, or furniture at a height where children can chew on them.

Renovating a home can also generate lead dust. Learn more about safe renovation practices by visiting our section on Lead Safe Work Practices.