Household paint containing lead is by far the most common source of lead exposure for children. Although production of paint with more than 0.06% lead was banned in the U.S. in 1978 (by the Consumer Product Safety Commission), much of the leaded paint used before that time remains in homes today. Children and adults can breathe in or eat paint dust at any time. Deteriorating paint is the major concern, especially when young children are present. It not only can be consumed directly by children, but it contaminates nearby soil and other surfaces.

Health Hazards:
Lead paint exposure accounts for as much as 90% of childhood lead poisoning. Millions of tons of lead-based paint were applied to households and public buildings before it was banned. More than 74% of U.S. homes built before 1980 contain lead paint. It was in widespread use throughout the 1940s and ‘50s, and used in lower concentrations until the mid-‘70s, for interior and exterior residential surfaces, furniture, toys, etc. Lead-based paint is still available for industrial, military, and marine use and occasionally ends up in homes.

When surfaces covered with old lead-based paint are sanded, scraped, or broken, the paint breaks into tiny pieces that may be swallowed or inhaled. The risk of lead poisoning is greater when the paint has deteriorated and/or it is located on surfaces easily accessible to children, such as windowsills. Lead-based paint on windows is a major concern because it is abraded into dust by repeated opening and closing of the windows.

How to Avoid or Minimize Exposure: 

• Take proper precautions when undergoing major interior or exterior renovations: plan to leave your house entirely while work is being done if lead paint is involved in any way.

• When making minor home improvements, limit dust generation.

• Keep painted surfaces in good repair so older layers are not exposed.

• Keep children away from areas where paint is peeling or chipping.

• Hire a professional to remove lead-based paints from any surface. Improper removal can make the situation worse. Look for lead-based paint inspectors, risk assessors, and abatement (lead removal) contractors.

Links to Related Resources

ERF Chemical Fact Sheet for Lead