Lead is a metal found in nature. When lead gets in the body, it is toxic and harms people. This is called lead poisoning.
Lead is in any place where lead paint is peeling and creating dust.
That dust can be in places like your house, your yard, or your neighbor's homes. Anyone can get lead poisoned. Lead poisoning is most dangerous for children under six years of age, because they put their hands, toys, and other things in their mouths. Any of these things could be contaminated with lead. Lead poisoning can affect brain development and cause other serious health problems in young children.