Lead was common in paint used before 1978, when it was banned. It's likely these homes contain paint with lead in it. Lead is toxic and in sufficient doses can be fatal. Lead generally enters the human system by being inhaled as dust, caused by normal wear and tear on the paint or during home renovations. Repainting and renovations are thought to cause up to half the cases of childhood lead poisoning.
Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning.
Lead can cause damage to the brain and nervous system in children, leading to behavioral and learning disabilities. Some of the program funds will be used to expand public awareness of the lead based paint hazard, purchase equipment used in lead paint reduction, and provide more training to those dealing in lead paint issues.