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.