Lead

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, single-family homes, 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.)

Learn More:

If you think your home has high levels of lead:

• Get your young children tested for lead, even if they seem healthy.
• Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.
• Make sure children eat healthy, low-fat foods.
• Get your home checked for lead hazards.
• Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces.
• Wipe soil off shoes before entering house.
• Talk to your landlord about fixing surfaces with peeling or chipping paint.
• Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling or renovating (call 1-800-424-LEAD for guidelines).
• Don't use a belt-sander, propane torch, high temperature heat gun, scraper, or sandpaper on painted surfaces that may contain lead.
• Don't try to remove lead-based paint yourself.
• Visit the EPA Lead web page for more information.