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Lead

Definition

Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal that can be toxic to health. There is no safe level of lead exposure. However, lead can still be found in many places in and around our homes. ²

Sources of Household Lead

Lead can be found in paint, dust, soil and water in and around the home. Houses built before 1978 are especially likely to have lead-based paint, as this was prior to the federal ban instituted to reduce consumer exposure. Lead-based paint is especially dangerous if the paint is peeling or chipping and entering the air through dust particles. This is common during home renovations on pre-1978 homes. Other indoor air lead exposures include contaminated soil and dust brought in from outside, especially near sites such as heavily trafficked roads, old industrial facilities, fields and mines. Lead can also be found in some ceramic glazes and agricultural fertilizers.¹ ²

Health Impacts

Lead exposure can impact nearly every body system. The acute effects of lead toxicity include seizures, paralysis, vomiting, anemia and even death. ²

The nervous system is the most prominently affected by lead exposures where irreversible damage can take place. Children are especially vulnerable to the health effects of lead because any level of lead exposure can permanently damage their developing nervous systems. Chronic exposure to lead can cause cognitive and behavioral difficulties such as memory and concentration complications; reproductive complications; high blood pressure; and damage to the brain, kidneys and liver. ²



Steps for Prevention and Remediation ¹ ² ³
  • If your home was built before 1978, you can get your home checked for lead hazards by finding a certified lead inspector or risk assessor at: https://www.epa.gov/lead/forms/lead-hotline-national-lead-information-center
  • If you are a renter and found that the paint contains lead and it is  chipping or peeling, notify your landlord and do not try to fix it on your own. Either speak to your landlord about fixing those surfaces or consult a professional.
  • Wash children’s hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys frequently.
  • Consider being a shoeless household, removing shoes at the entryway. Have a walk-off mat at all entrances to the home.
  • If you are renovating, repairing, or painting a home built before 1978, hire only EPA- or state-approved Lead-Safe certified renovation firms. renovation-repair-and-painting-rrp-program-consumers
  • If you have reason to believe that your child has been exposed to lead, consult your healthcare provider about testing your children for lead. Your pediatrician can check for lead with a simple blood test.
Additional Resources

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention:

https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/testing/index.html

Protect Your Family From Lead in the Home:

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/documents/lead-in-your-home-portrait-color-2020-508.pdf

Renovation program:

https://www.epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-rrp-program-consumers

Reference List

1. US EPA. Protect your Family from Sources of Lead. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead#sl-home. Accessed July 3, 2024. 

2. American Lung Association. Lead. Available at: https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/lead. Accessed July 3, 2024.

3. US EPA. Protect your Family from Lead in Your Home. Available at : https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/documents/lead-in-your-home-portrait-color-2020-508.pdf Accessed July 3, 2024. 

Combustion

Combustion, the process of burning fuels for energy, is used in two-thirds of US households for heating, cooking, and drying, emitting pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which can cause both immediate irritation and long-term health issues such as lung disease and cancer.


Biological Pollutants

Biological pollutants, including mold, pests, and animal dander, originate from sources like people, pets, and plants, and can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and infectious illnesses in the home.


Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), emitted from household items like cleaners, paints, and furnishings, are often found in higher concentrations indoors and can cause immediate health issues like irritation and headaches, as well as long-term damage to the kidney, liver, and central nervous system.


Current Page: Lead

Lead is a toxic heavy metal found in household paint, dust, soil, and water, particularly in homes built before 1978. Exposure can cause acute effects like seizures and anemia, and chronic effects such as cognitive impairments, reproductive complications and irreversible nervous system damage, especially in children.


Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can enter homes through cracks in walls and foundations, leading to dangerous indoor levels. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the leading cause among non-smokers, necessitating testing and remediation in high-risk areas.


Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber used for its strength and heat resistance in building materials and products. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can be released into the air, leading to serious lung diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.


Pesticides

Pesticides are toxic chemicals used in various forms like sprays and powders, and are found in 75% of U.S. households. These chemicals, including insecticides and rodenticides, can pose health risks, so it is crucial to assess specific products and their associated hazards.


Flame Retardants

Flame retardants are chemicals used to slow or prevent the spread of fire in various household products. These substances, which can persist in the environment and accumulate in the body, may cause health issues such as endocrine disruption, cognitive impairments, respiratory problems, and increased cancer risk.


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