Painted Surfaces

Lead paint is the major source of lead poisoning in the U.S.  Homes built before 1978 are likely to have lead paint -- on the inside or outside.  Lead paint can also be found on older toys and furniture.  The biggest threat of lead paint comes from:

	Fine lead dust, created when doors, windows or other painted surfaces rub against each other (lead dust may be difficult to see)
	Chipped or peeling lead paint

Water

Your cooking and drinking water can be contaminated by:

	Lead water pipes
	Plumbing fittings made out of brass or bronze
	Lad solder used to connect plumbing

Soil

The areas where your child plays can be contaminated by:

	Chips and dust from exterior lead paint
	Past use of lead-based insecticides
	Lead pollution that has settled in the soil

Food

What your child eats can be contaminated if it is:

	Grown near sources of lead pollution
	Stored or baked in poorly glazed pottery (especially if the food is acidic)
	Prepared by someone with lead dust on his or her hands
	Packaged in cans with lead seams (no longer used in cans made in the U.S.)
	Stored in leaded crystal for prolonged periods

Other Sources

Your child can also come into contact with lead through:

	Dust from renovation, even a few houses away
	Antique pewter
	Drapery and window weights
	Battery casings
	Some homemade or nonmainstream medicines and cosmetics
	Dust from some imported plastic blinds
	Some porcelain and pottery (especially imported)
	Dust or fumes from hobbies that use lead, such as making stained glass or target practice
	Fishing weights
	Lead in the air from nearby lead-processing plants