The main source of childhood lead poisoning is from lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in older homes. Twenty-four million homes have peeling or chipping lead-based paint and high levels of lead-contaminated dust. More than 4 million of these homes have young children living in them.
People may be exposed to lead by breathing or swallowing lead or lead dust. Once it enters the body, lead can become a health hazard.
Lead from paints, ceramic products, caulking, and pipe solder has been dramatically reduced in the United States due to health concerns. In 1978, lead-based paints were banned from use in homes. Lead has also been removed from gasoline. However, lead can still be found in the environment. People, especially children, are still being exposed.