The lead paint which previously covered wood surfaces is now wearing, flaking, and peeling off. The dust of this worn-off paint may be carried into the home by the wind, where it can become imbedded in fabric, in rugs or cracks in floors. Dust may also accumulate on window sills or other such exposed areas. The dust is easily picked up by the touch of a hand or any object, especially those that are wet. Thus a toy wetted by a child's mouth is capable of picking up contaminated dust, which is then ingested when the child puts the toy back in higher mouth.
Paint chips are the most visible sign of lead paint problems.
Since lead paint is most deteriorated on the exterior of houses, the chips often find their way into window sills and the soil surrounding the building. Lead can enter into the food chain by way of the soil and be unsuspectingly ingested.