Peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking lead-based paint is a hazard and needs immediate attention. Doors and frames. Stairs, railings, and banisters. Porches and fences. Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is dry scraped, dry sanded, or heated.
Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or rub together.
Lead chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch. Settled lead dust can reenter the air when people vacuum, sweep, or walk through it. Lead in soil can be a hazard when children play in bare soil or when people bring soil into the house on their shoes. Call your state agency to find out about soil testing for lead. Just knowing that a home has lead-based paint may not tell you if there is a hazard.