05/22/2026
Protect your family from these common sources of lead -- many of which can be found in or around your home! This can be especially important information if your home was built before 1978. Homes prior to 1978 likely contain lead paint. In 1978, the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-based pain.
In addition to the interior of your home, the exterior and your yard can contain or be contaminated by lead paint/dust. Lead in soil can lead to lead poisoning in children if they are playing in contaminated yards or if you consume vegetables from soil with lead in it.
Other sources include toys, furniture, cosmetics, food containers, and plumbing materials. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has taken measures to put protections in place that ban the use of lead in many children’s products.
Finally, your drinking water may contain levels of lead through corrosion of plumbing materials. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder.
Being aware of the common sources of lead can help protect your family from lead poisoning. To learn more, visit: https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead
