Stay tuned for updates on how to join the broadcast. Too much lead in the human body can damage the brain, kidneys, nervous system and red blood cells. Lead can be found in many places -in old paint, in the air, water, food, dust and soil. Lead was banned in house paint in the late '70's, homes built before that are likely to contain lead. Young children can be exposed to lead by eating, chewing or sucking on lead painted objects, such as window sills, toys or furniture.
Children can pick up lead dust during play.
AIR Air pollution containing lead can come from industries such as lead-acid battery manufacturers, brass production, and lead, copper and zinc smelting. Lead in the air also comes from the burning of solid waste, coal and oil in residential and industrial settings. Lead in drinking water comes from the corrosive action of water on lead pipes, lead pipe fittings, lead solder, and brass and chrome fixtures. In some areas, soil has been contaminated by paint dust, automobile exhaust, disposal of solid waste that contains lead, or fertilizers made from sewage sludge. Lead enters the body when paint chips,dust, soil, food or water that contains lead is swallowed or inhaled.