Where Lead is Found

Where lead is found

In general, the older your house, the more likely it contains Lead based paint.

  • Many homes constructed prior to 1978 have Lead based paint. The federal government banned Lead based paint from housing in 1978. Some states stopped its use even earlier. Lead can be found:
    • In homes in the country, suburbs, or city.
    • In apartments, single-family homes, multi-family homes, and both private and public housing.
    • Both indoors and outdoors.
  • In dirt around a home. Dirt can pick up lead from exterior paint, or other sources such as past use of leaded gas in automobiles, and kids playing in yards can eat or breathe in lead dust.
  • Household dust. Dust picks up lead from deteriorating Lead based paint or from dirt tracked into a house.
  • Drinking water. Your home might have piping with lead or lead solder. Call your local health or water department to find out about having your water tested. You can’t see, taste or smell lead, and boiling your water will not get rid of lead. If you think your piping might have lead in it:
    • Use only cold water for cooking and drinking.
    • Run water for 20 to 30 seconds prior to drinking it, especially if you have not run your water for a few hours.
  • Your job. If you work with lead, you could bring it home on your fingers or clothing. Bathe and change clothes before entering your home. Launder your work clothes apart from the rest of your other clothes.
  • Older painted toys and furniture.
  • Food and fluids stored in lead crystal or lead-glazed pottery or porcelain. Food can become infected because lead can leach in from these containers.
  • Lead smelters or other industries that release lead into the air.
  • Hobbies that use lead, such as stained glass, pottery or refinishing furniture.
  • Folk remedies that contain lead, such as “greta” and “azarcon” used to treat an upset stomach.

 

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