We welcome your comments and suggestions about this site. Old deteriorating paint, the dust that comes off of chipping or peeling paint, bare soil, dust, and drinking water are common sources of lead found in and around older buildings. However, just because there is lead present in the home does not necessarily mean there is cause for concern. This fact sheet describes some of the most common conditions to look for when identifying sources of lead that may be a problem in residential property. Lead poisoning is a concern for both children and adults - breathing or eating anything that contains too much lead can cause serious health problems.
Young children suffering from lead poisoning can experience learning, behavior and health problems.
Adults exposed to too much lead can suffer from high blood pressure, kidney damage, and fertility problems. The good news is that lead poisoning is preventable. About 75 percent of homes built before 1978 contain some lead-based paint. So, you should assume that a house painted before 1978 contains some lead-based paint. The only way to know for sure if the paint does not contain lead is to have it tested.