Lead in the Home

Many house paints made before 1960 contain lead as a pigment. This lead is toxic to humans. When the paint deteriorates and as painted windows are opened and closed, paint dust containing lead is released into the home. This paint dust can be inhaled and eaten by the people living in the house. After 1960, paint manufacturers began to replace the lead pigment in paints with other non-toxic materials. It wasn't until 1978 that lead was banned from household paints. It is therefore possible that houses built before 1978 might contain lead paint, and almost certain that houses built before 1960 contain lead paint.

Children under six years of age are especially sensitive to lead poisoning. Lead poisoning causes permanent lowering of intelligence. It also causes behavioral problems such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders, headaches, and behavioral problems. About 1,700,000 childern in the United States have blood lead levels above safe limits, mostly due to lead paint in their homes. Adults may also be affected by high lead levels with headaches, high blood pressure, digestive problems, memory and concentration problems, mood changes, sleep disorders, and muscle and joint pain. It can also cause abnormal development of the child if a pregnant woman is exposed.