Sources of Lead Exposure

Lead can be found throughout a child’s environment.

  • Homes built before 1978 (when lead-based paints were banned) probably contain lead-based paint. When the paint peels and cracks, it makes lead dust. Children can be exposed to lead when they swallow or breathe in lead dust.
  • Certain water pipes may contain lead.
  • Lead can be found in some products such as toys and jewelry.
  • Lead is sometimes in candies or traditional home remedies.
  • Certain jobs and hobbies involve working with lead-based products, like stain glass work, and may cause parents to bring lead into the home.
  • Children who live near airports may be exposed to lead in air and soil from aviation gas used in piston engine aircrafts.
Explore these sources of lead in the environment