Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children 6 years old and under are most at risk, because their bodies are growing quickly.
Research suggests that the primary sources of lead exposure for most children are:
- deteriorating lead-based paint,
- lead contaminated dust, and
- lead contaminated residential soil.
EPA is playing a major role in addressing these residential lead hazards. In 1978, there were nearly three to four million children with elevated blood lead levels in the United States. By 2002, that number had dropped to 310,000 kids, and it continues to decline. While we still have a significant challenge, EPA is very proud of how federal, state, tribal, and private sector partners have coordinated efforts with the public to better protect our children.
Since the 1980's, EPA and its federal partners have phased out lead in gasoline, reduced lead in drinking water, reduced lead in industrial air pollution, and banned or limited lead used in consumer products, including residential paint. States and municipalities have set up programs to identify and treat lead poisoned children and to rehabilitate deteriorated housing. Parents, too, have greatly helped to reduce lead exposures to their children by cleaning and maintaining homes, having their children's blood lead levels checked, and promoting proper nutrition. The Agency’s Lead Awareness Program continues to work to protect human health and the environment against the dangers of lead by developing regulations, conducting research, and designing educational outreach efforts and materials.
This site provides information about lead, lead hazards, and provides some simple steps to protect your family. For basic information start with the links to the right. For more specific information, and to search for and download documents use the links on the left. You can speak to an information specialist by contacting The National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).
2006-09-13 13:22:21
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answer #1
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answered by Jamie 2
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you can get lead poisoning by inhaling lead dust or eating paint chips. Lead is usually found in older homes built before 1978. I know alot about lead poisoning my son has it so if you have any more questions contact me.
2006-09-14 10:50:22
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answer #2
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answered by Alanacoolata 2
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They think that a lot of Romans died from it by eating off lead plates.
Old lead pipes can infect the water.
Whilst bullets are made of lead, you would be more inclined to die from the wound than the toxic effect of the lead!
2006-09-13 20:25:11
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answer #3
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answered by Bohemian 4
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Exposure to too much lead will lead to lead poisoning. It becomes harmful to the body when it enters your bloodstream.
2006-09-13 20:21:57
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answer #4
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answered by Scooter 4
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Some old dishes have lead based coloring in them. Some old wall paint has lead too and flaking paint can get into food.
2006-09-13 20:17:18
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answer #5
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answered by Barkley Hound 7
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By being exposed to the metal called lead.
2006-09-13 20:22:24
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answer #6
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answered by tooqerq 6
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by eating it. touching it is OK. Touching mercury is poisonous but handling lead is fine just don't eat trace amounts of it.
2006-09-13 20:22:55
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answer #7
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answered by waplambadoobatawhopbamboo 5
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are you trying to kill yourself? Well, kids have been known to get it from eating lead-based paint, and some people have gotten it from pencils... those two items (pencil and paint) aren't in use anymore, like, they're not available to the public anymore (I've heard).
2006-09-13 20:23:09
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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Ingested lead of some kind
2006-09-13 20:23:08
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answer #9
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answered by Mosaic 4
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ingesting it by eating or drinking, such as eating lead paint or drinking acidic liquids out of a lead cup.
2006-09-13 20:22:04
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answer #10
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answered by Niche Jerk 4
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