Sources of Lead

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Paint Chips Dust

PAINT CHIPS/DUST

  • Homes and child care facilities built before 1978 may have lead-based paint. Peeling, cracking, and chipping paint can create lead dust.
  • Lead-based paint may also be found on antique toys, paint on play equipment, etc.
Other Sources

CERTAIN SPICES, COSMETICS, AND TRADITIONAL HOME REMEDIES

  • Items imported from outside of the U.S. may be contaminated with lead, including home remedies and cosmetics such as Greta, Azarcon, Ghasard, Ba-baw-san, Surma, Sindoor, and Kohl.
Contaminated Soil

CONTAMINATED SOIL

  • Bare soil around the perimeter of a home built before 1978 may be contaminated with lead-based paint dust.
  • Soil may be contaminated if you live near an airport from small aircraft fuel or busy roadway from formerly used leaded fuel.
  • Soil may be contaminated if your home is near a former smelter site.
Drinking Water Opens in new window

DRINKING WATER

  • Leaded pipes, faucets, solder, and plumbing fixtures can contaminate water with lead.
Jobs or Hobbies

HOBBY AND/OR OCCUPATION

  • Hobbies or occupations such as antique furniture refinishing, car restoration or repair, construction and remodeling, use of firearms, fishing, manufacturing, mechanics, painting, and welding all may involve lead.
Vintage Imported Items

VINTAGE & IMPORTED ITEMS

  • Pottery, ceramics, lead crystal, pewter or aluminum cookware (especially pressure cookers) from other countries that you use for cooking, storing, or serving food or drink. Imported and vintage dishes, plates, cups, etc.
  • Toys, metal jewelry and antique furniture.