Common Sources of Lead Poisoning

Lead-Based Paint

Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust are the most common sources of lead poisoning. Paint containing lead was not banned in the United States until 1978. Homes built before 1978 have a good chance of having lead-based paint, which can chip, peel or flake.

Household dust can contain lead particles released from old paint during remodeling by sanding, scraping, or tearing into painted surface. Painted areas where friction occurs such as doors, window, and drawers can also contain lead-contaminated dust.

Children can get poisoned when they ingest lead dust or chips from worn or damaged layers of lead-based paint. Children also may eat lead-based paint chips, which sometimes taste sweet.

Steps you can take:

  • Wash children's hands often, especially before eating and sleeping.
  • Keep children away from peeling or chipping paint and chewable surfaces with lead-based paint, especially windows.
  • Clean up loose paint chips immediately. Put them in a plastic bag, seal, and place in garbage.
  • Use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces to remove dust.
  • Place a blanket or rug on the floor where children play.
  • Permanently remove lead hazards by hiring a certified lead abatement contractor.
  • Learn how to reduce lead-based paint hazards when renovating, remodeling, and painting.

Contaminated Soil

Children may be exposed to lead through contaminated soil when they play outside. Lead in dirt clings to fingers, toys, and other objects children normally put in their mouths. Lead can get in soil from:

  • Deteriorating lead-based paint around buildings and old playground equipment.
  • Leaded gasoline near busy roads.
  • Leaks from underground storage tanks.
  • Lead-acid battery recycling facilities.
  • Smoke and dust from industries, such as lead ore mining and milling, smelting, municipal solid waste incinerators.

Steps you can take:

  • Wash children's hands often, especially before they eat, nap, and bed time.
  • Use a doormat and wipe or remove shoes before entering your house.
  • Limit soil exposure.
  • Cover bare soil with grass, plants, gravel, or wood chips.
  • Do not let children play near the walls of the house or garage or on bare soil.
  • Have children play in grassy areas or a sandbox that can be covered.

Children's Toys and Jewelry

Some toys and toy jewelry contain levels of lead that may have a serious health risk to children. Parents should check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to see if their child's toys and jewelry are recalled. Although antique or salvaged items may not appear on a recall list, they may contain lead especially items that are painted or metal.

Children may put toys or jewelry in their mouth, suck or chew on them, and sometimes even swallow them. Handling items that contain lead and then putting their hands in their mouths can also expose children to lead.

Steps you can take:

  • Check product recalls and safety news from CPSC.
  • Stop using recalled product immediately. Follow instruction on CPSC website on who to contact for refund or replacement.
  • It's important to choose toys meant for your child's age group. Toys meant for older children can be dangerous for younger children.
  • Wash children's toys often.

Drinking Water

Lead in drinking water is not a common source of lead poisoning, it usually comes from water distribution lines or household plumbing rather than lakes, wells or streams.

Workplace and Hobby Hazards

Parents may unknowingly bring lead home on their hands, clothing, and shoes. Jobs that expose people to lead include:

  • Painting.
  • Construction or home remodeling.
  • Radiator repair.
  • Battery or scrap metal recycling.
  • Pottery manufacturing.
  • Working with guns and ammunition.
  • Industries using lead solder.
  • Roadwork.
  • Shipbuilding.

Dust and fumes from hobbies can also be a source of lead, hobbies include:

  • Stained glass windows with lead solder.
  • Glazing and firing ceramics.
  • Making and handling ammunition and fishing weights.
  • Target practice (indoor and outdoor firing ranges).
  • Refinishing furniture.
  • Remolding old homes and jewelry making.

Steps you can take:

  • Keep children and pregnant women out of hobby or work areas.
  • Use separate work clothes and shoes/boots while at work.
  • Shower and remove work clothes and shoes before going home or getting into your car. If you can't shower at work, take a shower and wash your hair as soon as you get home.
  • Put work clothes in a plastic bag. If you wash your own work clothes, wash them separately from those of other family members. Run the empty washing machine again to rinse out the lead.

Traditional Home Remedies and Cosmetics

Some families use home remedies to treat illnesses. Some remedies may contain up to 100 percent lead and are very dangerous to children. Home remedies that may contain lead:

  • Azarcon and Greta, both fine orange powders (also known as Alarcon, coral, luiga, maria luisa, or rueda) may be used in the Hispanic community for indigestion or upset stomach.
  • Paylooah, a red or orange powder, may be given to children in the Vietnamese and Hmong community as a cure for rash or fever.
  • Ghasard, Bali Goli, and Kandu may be used for stomachaches in some Asian Indian communities.

Certain cosmetics, especially those from the Middle East, India, and Asia, may also contain high levels of lead. Cosmetics that may contain lead are Kohl, Kajal, Surma, and Sindoor.

Steps you can take:

  • Immediately stop using home remedies or cosmetics mentioned above that contain lead.
  • Thoroughly wash hands and other body parts that may have come in contact with the powders or cosmetics. Wash affected household surfaces with soap and hot water.
  • Ask a health care provider to test children or pregnant/nursing women for lead poisoning if they have used any of the remedies or cosmetics noted above.

Lead Glazed Ceramic Ware, Pottery, and Leaded Crystal

Lead can be used to make ceramic glazes with deep and brilliant color. Imported, old, handmade, or poorly glazed ceramic dishes and pottery are especially at risk for having lead in the glaze. Lead may also be found in leaded crystal, pewter and brass dishware.

Acidic foods or drinks (such as orange, tomato and other fruit juices, tomato sauces, wines, and vinegar) may cause the lead to be drawn out of the glaze and contaminate the food or drink with lead. You can't always tell by looking at a dish whether it contains lead.

Steps you can take:

  • If unsure about whether or not the tableware contains lead, the item should not be used to store, cook, or serve food or beverages.
  • If any tableware starts to show a dusty or chalky gray residue after washing, discontinue using the item.
  • Purchase tableware with labels that state the item is lead-free or suitable for food use.

Imported Candy

Lead has been found in certain candies imported from Mexico. Certain candy ingredients such as tamarind or chili powder may be a source of lead exposure. Lead can get into candy when processes such as drying, storing, and grinding the ingredients are done improperly.

Lead has also been found in the wrappers of some imported candies, the ink of these plastic or paper wrappers may contain lead that leaches into the candy. People selling these candies may not know whether the candy contains lead. You can't tell by looking at or tasting a candy whether it contains lead.

  • Avoid eating imported candies containing chili powder and tamarind. Examples products include lollipops coated with chili and powdery mixtures of salt, lemon flavor, and chili seasoning sold as a snack item.

Mini-Blinds

Mini-blinds that are old or imported may contain lead. Sunlight and heat can cause the vinyl surface to break down and release lead dust. Lead dust can get into the air and collect near or below the blinds.

Steps you can take:

  • Don't use imported vinyl mini blinds in a home with young children. New mini blinds that are made in the United States do not contain lead.
  • Fabric curtains or shades are a safe alternative to mini blinds. Remember to protect children from curtain cords, which can choke or suffocate them.

More Information

For Health Care Providers and Partners