Lead is a highly toxic metal that has been commonly used in many household, industrial and automobile products—such as paint, solder, batteries, brass, car radiators, bullets, pottery, etc. Too much lead in the body, or lead poisoning, can cause serious and permanent health problems. Children and pregnant women are at special risk.
You can have lead poisoning without noticing any symptoms. Even if you feel fine, lead can start building up in your body and may damage your kidneys, brain, and your digestive, reproductive and blood systems. In children, lead can slow down growth, impair development and learning, and can cause behavior problems. In pregnant women, lead can increase the risk of miscarriage and cause babies to be born too early, too small, or with learning or behavior problems.
Lead poisoning can be prevented when homeowners, tenants and contractors know how to reduce or eliminate exposure to lead dust, deteriorated (chipping or peeling) lead-based paint, lead-contaminated soil as well as what danger signs to look for. Learn more about lead hazards and lead poisoning
Call your health care provider if you think you or a family member have been exposed to lead, even if you do not feel sick.
Below are links to resources and more information on lead from the Health Department, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Title |
Source |
Description |
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Lead Hazards and Lead Poisoning |
Health Department |
Information about sources of lead—paint, drinking water, soil, hobbies and crafts, products and imported goods, on the job, and in vintage, antique, and salvaged materials—lead-safe cleaning, and information for refugees and New Americans |
Lead Hazards in Housing |
Health Department |
A fact sheet summarizing the sources of lead hazards found in housing, soil and drinking water, and what lead-safe work practices are |
ToxFAQs™ for Lead |
ATSDR |
A fact sheet that answers the most frequently asked health questions about lead |
Lead Information |
EPA |
Information on lead, safety, the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program, and the Abatement and Evaluation Program |
Safety and Health Topics: Lead |
OSHA |
Information for workers on OSHA standards, health effects, evaluating exposure and controls, and enforcement |