Where Lead is Found
In general, the older your home, the more likely it is that it was painted with lead-based paint.
- Before 1978 – Many homes built before 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 city, country or suburbs
- In apartments 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.
- Household dust – Dust can pick up lead from deteriorating lead-based paint or from soil tracked into a home
- Drinking water – Your home might have plumbing with lead or lead solder. Call your local health department or water supplier to find out about testing your water. You cannot see, smell or taste lead, and boiling your water will not get rid of lead. If you think your plumbing might have lead in it:
- Use only cold water for drinking and cooking
- Run water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking it, especially if you have not used your water for a few hours
- At work - If you work with lead, you could bring it home on your hands or clothes. Shower and change clothes before coming home. Launder your work clothes separately from the rest of your family’s clothes.
- Old painted toys and furniture – These items may have been painted with lead-based paint.
- Food and liquids stored in lead crystal – Lead could leach into your food from these storage containers. You should also watch for lead-glazed pottery or porcelain.
- Lead smelters – These and other industries can release lead into the air.
- Hobbies that use lead – Making pottery or stained glass, or refinishing furniture, could require the use of substances that contain lead.
- Folk remedies – Some remedies can contain lead, such as “greta” and “azarcon” used to treat an upset stomach.
