Lead paint is an insignificant contaminant source when compared to the industrial contamination. While addressing lead paint may be a good idea, it will not reduce your family's exposure to leaded dust from the smelting and EAF dust recycling operations. It will not reduce your family's exposure to cadmium and zinc at all. Exposure Routes and Toxic Effects of Lead Paint EPA developed this fact sheet to present interested citizens with information on lead paint, its dangers, and approved abatement methods. Families can be exposed to lead from paint by eating or inhaling lead-contaminated dust or soil.
Families can ingest lead dust that settles on windowsills, floors, and furniture.
Settled lead dust can re-enter the air through cleaning, such as sweeping and vacuuming, or by people moving throughout the house. Although severe lead poisoning may result from eating lead paint chips, the most common exposure route in the United States is through ingestion of dusts and soils. In children, lead poisoning can damage the brain and nervous system, cause behavior and learning problems, impair hearing, slow development, and reduce attention span. Lead affects pregnant women by causing premature deliveries, lower birthrate, and, in extreme cases, miscarriage or stillbirth. In adults, lead poisoning can cause mood changes, muscle and joint pain, nerve disorders, and reproductive damage.