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Lead

What is Lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal that is found in the earth’s crust. It has been used for centuries in products including paint, pipes, and gasoline despite being highly toxic.

Where is Lead found?

It is important to recognize sources of lead. They include old paint, dust from old paint, water, soil, and consumer products, such as glazed pottery, toys, and some spices. The U.S. banned lead-based paint for residential use in 1978. Certain activities can put people at increased risk for lead exposure. This includes hobbies like hunting and fishing and occupations such as welding and the automotive industry. People can also bring lead dust into the home on clothes, shoes, and skin.

Health Impacts of Lead

There is no safe amount of lead exposure. Even low levels of lead exposure can be dangerous, especially for young children. Lead poisoning can cause serious health effects, including brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth and development, learning delays, behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems. Lead can also cause an increased risk for kidney disease, hypertension, heart disease, anemia, miscarriage, osteoporosis, stillbirths and infertility in both men and women.

How can I protect my family from Lead?

Children are especially vulnerable to lead, especially those under age 6. All children should be tested for lead around 1 year and 2 years of age and at least once before 6 years old. Learn more: Protect Your Family from Sources of Lead | US EPA

Paint

Older homes, particularly those built before 1978, are more likely to contain lead-based paint. Lead-based paint is less of a hazard if it is in good condition. Chipping, peeling, or cracking paint and paint on high friction surfaces, like windows and window frames, doors and door frames, may deteriorate and become a lead dust hazard. To reduce lead risks in the home, repaint any damaged painted surfaces and use a wet cloth or towel to dust.

Water

Lead can also enter drinking water through lead service lines or lead solder used in plumbing. Your local water provider may offer water testing (Request a Lead Test Kit | Pittsburgh Water), or you can test through a certified third party. Use a water filter to reduce the amount of lead and other contaminants in your water. There are different filter options, including countertop, faucet, under the sink, and whole house filters. Choose a water filter that removes the chemicals and germs of concern. (See About Choosing Home Water Filters | Drinking Water | CDC for more guidance). Look at NSF International or other reputable sources to check if the filter is certified to reduce the contaminants of concern (like lead and PFAS). Regular maintenance is essential for filters to remain effective.

Soil

Lead hazards are also present outside the home, particularly in soil. Lead from deteriorating paint on homes, garages, or fences can get into the soil. Multiple third-party companies offer soil testing. You can have soil tested for lead before growing food or letting children play in it to prevent exposure. To reduce lead exposure from soil, you should cover bare soil, limit play in dirt, encourage frequent handwashing, and limit hand-to-mouth activities. Place doormats inside and outside exterior doors and remove shoes at the door to reduce the spread of dirt and dust throughout the home.

Consumer Products

Lead can also be present in food, furniture, toys, jewelry, and other consumer products. The Consumer Product Safety Commission maintains a list of recalled items. Pay attention particularly to older toys and products that may have come from outside the United States. Learn more on our Consumer Products page.

Occupational Exposure

Jobs and hobbies that involve lead (e.g., construction, renovation, auto repair, battery manufacturing, and more) can bring lead dust into the home on clothing, shoes, skin, and equipment. This increases the risk of exposure to other household members. If you participate in an activity that exposes you to lead, be sure to change shoes and clothing as soon as possible to avoid tracking lead dust through your home. Wash your hands and avoid touching your mouth and eyes while working. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, and safety glasses, as directed.

Contractor Info

The EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule requires anyone working in homes and apartments built before 1978 to complete training on lead-safe practices. The RRP rule applies to anyone who disturbs paint (more than six square feet on interior surfaces or 20 square feet on exterior surfaces). This includes contractors, property managers, and other tradespeople. The RRP certification ensures training in lead-safe work practices, such as containing the work area, minimizing dust, and thoroughly cleaning after the job to reduce the spread of lead contamination. Firms must provide occupants with information about lead hazards before starting work and follow specific procedures to protect residents, especially children, from exposure during renovations.

Learn more and find a RRP training:

Resources on Lead

Women for a Healthy Environment Fact Sheets

Local Resource Programs (Pittsburgh/Allegheny County)

Learn more about lead

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