Why is lead in some homes?

Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. In general, the older a home, the more likely it has lead-based paint.

The most common sources of household lead are:

• Paint- The federal government banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978, but homes built before this time may have used lead paint.
• Dust- Household dust can be contaminated with lead from paint, as can the soil around a house whose exterior was painted with lead paint.
• Drinking water- Your home might have plumbing with lead or lead solder used to join the pipes.