Lead paint is the number one cause of lead poisoning in children.
In 1978, lead in new house paint was banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Homes built before that time, however, may contain lead paint. Young children can be exposed to lead by eating, chewing, or sucking on lead-painted objects such as window sills, toys, or furniture. Also, over time, painted surfaces crumble into household dust. This dust clings to toys, fingers, and other objects that children normally put in their mouths.