1909 France, Belgium and Austria ban interior lead paint. A General Motors employee discovers that adding tetraethyl lead to gasoline eliminates engine knock and allows for faster automobiles. The Third International Labor Conference of the League of Nations recommends banning interior lead paint, but U.S. declines. 1923 Leaded gasoline goes on the market. The National Paint, Varnish and Lacquer Association advises its members to put warning labels on lead paint advising customers of potential dangers.
Most paint manufacturers ignore the suggestion.
The dangers of lead paint become national news when Time magazine reports on a new study suggesting lead poisoning lowers children's IQs and causes other physical and neurological problems. 1940s-1950s State and local health agencies begin cautioning the public about the dangers of lead paint. 1970 Federal legislation prohibits the use of lead paint in federally financed and federally subsidized housing. Health care providers begin screening children for lead poisoning. 1971 Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act passed.