Lead Dangers in the Home
Lead-based paint is the most dangerous source of lead in the home. While it was banned in housing more than 25 years ago, lead can be still found in and around homes-especially those that have not been renovated or were poorly renovated. Most paint sold before 1978 has lead in it, and homes built before 1978 probably have lead-based paint. Lead can also be found in varnish, stain, or even some wallpaper preparations.
When painted surfaces are damaged, the lead in the paint can turn to dust. Lead dust is very dangerous. Painted surfaces get damaged when they are bumped or rubbed often, such as on door frames or window sills, and when paint chips, cracks, or peels. Lead dust can come from repairing areas with lead-based paint, opening and closing windows, and through normal use.
Lead dust is most harmful to children and pregnant women. Dust that contains lead looks just like any other dust. It can be found in and around windows, on floors, or on furniture. When people breathe in lead dust, the lead gets into the body and can cause lead poisoning. Lead dust also settles on floors and gets on children's hands and toys. Young children can swallow lead dust when they put their hands or toys into their mouths. Children can also become lead poisoned by eating, chewing, or sucking on things covered with lead-based paint, such as window sills, railings, or other painted surfaces.
Probability of a house containing lead
Illinois has some of the oldest houses in the country. Older homes built before 1978 are much more likely to have lead-based paint problems.