Why Do You Need to Be Concerned About Lead?

Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead also can be emitted into the air from motor vehicles and industrial sources, and lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and under are most at risk.

Most Common Sources of Lead Poisoning:

• Deteriorating lead-based paint
• Lead contaminated dust
• Lead contaminated residential soil

On this Web site:

• Basic Information Información Básica
• National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 24-30, 2010
  • Facts about lead
  • Health effects of lead
  • Where lead is found
  • Where lead is likely to be a hazard
  • How to check your family and home for lead
  • What you can do to protect your family
  • Are you planning to buy or rent a home built before 1978?
  • Renovating, repairing or painting a home, child care facility or school with lead-based paint
  • Other EPA pamphlets on lead
• Where You Live - Get contacts for lead information in each EPA regional office.
• Renovation, Repair and Painting - Learn about EPA's lead-safety rules and lead-safe work practices.
• Lead Professionals - Read about EPA requirements for lead-based paint abatement for known hazards, inspection, and risk assessment.
• Grants - Read about EPA's grant programs to fund lead poisoning prevention activities in local communities and across the nation.
• Lead in the News - Read about recalls, lead in toys and children's jewelry and more.
• Rules and Regulations - Read about EPA regulations and policy guidance on lead abatement, cleanup, risk assessment, and remodeling and renovations.
• Resource Center - Access links to additional information sources on lead from other EPA offices and organizations involved in efforts to reduce lead exposure.
• Lead Hotline

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