Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead-based paint is present in many homes built before 1978. The federal government banned the use of lead-based paint in housing in 1978.

Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. In general, lead based paint can be found on your siding, window sills, trim around the home, walls, and sometimes old furniture. Soil around the perimeter of a home can also contain lead from sources like deteriorated exterior paint. It’s important you do an environmental assessment to determine where in your home lead may be present.

Lead is known to cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children under six years of age are most at risk from exposure to lead-based paint because they crawl on the floor and they put their hands and other items which can have lead-based paint dust on them into their mouths. Because their bodies are still growing, children tend to absorb more lead than adults.

Children exposed to lead can suffer from:

• Lowered IQ
• Damage to the brain and nervous system
• Learning and behavioral difficulties
• Slowed growth
• Hearing problems
• Headaches

Adults can suffer from:

• Reproductive problems (both men and women)
• High blood pressure and hypertension
• Nerve disorders
• Memory and concentration problems
• Muscle and joint pain

A blood lead test is the best way to find out whether you or a family member has been exposed to lead. Call your doctor or local health department to arrange for a blood lead test.