Lead-based paint wasn't banned for household use until 1978. Seventy percent of all houses in Nebraska were built before that year. Close to 40 percent were built before 1950, when about half of all paint contained large amounts of lead. The risk of lead poisoning is increased when children play near areas where deteriorating lead-based paint is present. Friction and impact on lead-based paint also will create lead contaminated household dust.
Small children are more at risk for lead exposure than adults.
Their bodies tend to absorb lead more easily. Also, they frequently put hands and toys into their mouths. Small children ingest lead from contaminated household dust and paint chips that stick to hands, toys and other objects they put into their mouths. The only way to determine if a child has been exposed to lead is to have his or her blood tested. Some children require hospitalization for lead poisoning.