Caution: Lead is still around.   Many homes built before 1978 have 

lead-based paint. The federal government banned lead-based paint 

from housing in 1978.  Lead can be found in homes in the city, country,

or suburbs. In apartments, single-family homes, and both private and

public housing. Inside and outside of the house.  In soil around a home.

(Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint or other sources such as past

use of leaded gas in cars.)

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Lead-based paint is usually not a hazard if it is in good condition, and it is

not on an impact or friction surface, like a window sashes and sills, 

door jams and stair treads.

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Lead from Paint, Dust, and Soil Can Be Dangerous If Not Managed Properly

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FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before 

they are born.

FACT: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies.

FACT: People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust,

or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead.

FACT: People have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases,

lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.

FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.

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If you live in a home or an apartment that was built before 1978.  Get your young children tested for lead, even if they seem healthy.  Lead is even more dangerous to children under the age of 6: At this age children’s brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.  Children’s growing bodies absorb more lead. babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on them.

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Lead is also dangerous to women of childbearing age.

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There is also another lead hazard that most of us don’t think about.  Re-purposing old items, like windows, doors, furniture, toys and on and on.   Any item you plan on salvaging and re-purposing you should check for lead.  This can be done simply by going to your local paint, hardware or building supply store and purchase a lead testing kit.  They are easy to use and can give quick results and as always follow the label directions.

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Some advice is to check your shopping treasures for lead before you bring them in the house.   if the item has chipping, peeling or loose paint.  If that paint is lead based and it gets in the hands of a child more than likely it will end up in their mouth and in their blood.  So, for you and your children’s sake be mindful of those old treasures you bring home the could be a lead hazard