Lead Hazards

Lead around the home--in paint, dust, and soil--can be a health hazard if it's not managed properly.

• Lead affects the body in many ways.
• In children, lead can damage the brain and nervous system and cause developmental problems.
• In adults, lead can cause difficulties during pregnancy and high blood pressure.
• People get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating paint chips or soil containing lead.
• Lead dust can form when lead-based paint peels, chips, or cracks.  Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or rub together--for instance, around windows and doors.
• Lead-based paint in good condition is usually not a hazard.
• There are many ways to reduce lead hazards.  But removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family by spreading more lead dust around the house.

Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead.  If you think your home might have lead hazards, read this pamphlet to learn some simple steps to protect your family.

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If you're doing repair work in your house, you should read the next pamphlet.  It describes how you can minimize your exposure to lead dust that is disturbed in home improvement projects. 

Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home

If you can't read these files, you need to get Acrobat Reader (it's free).  We also have pamphlets in our office; give PNHS a call at 232-9468.  You can get more information about lead hazards from the HUD and EPA.