And in 1978, when the CPSC banned lead use in consumer paints altogether, industry had already moved to the use of safer and more effective substitutes. If that old paint is chipped, peeling or cracking, if it's around doors or windows, if it's on sills or baseboards, or if it's on a surface that a young child can mouth or chew, it can be a hazard. While lead may be useful in many industrial processes and manufactured products, it can also be harmful. And, if lead enters a pregnant woman's bloodstream, her unborn baby may be harmed. Even women who are considering becoming pregnant should make sure that their homes are lead safe as a precaution.
Lead poisoning can affect the brain and the nervous system.
It has been related to learning disabilities and other serious problems. Some doctors recommend that all children under age 6 should have their blood tested for lead at least once a year. Parents should consult a pediatrician or clinic for advice. The key to preventing lead poisoning is lowering exposure by finding any sources of lead in your environment and blocking the pathway to those sources. If you suspect old lead paint may be a source of lead in your home, there are various tests you can use to find out.