Public Health

FACT: Nearly 25% of homes built before 1978 have some lead paint. Homes built before 1960 have the most lead paint. Lead can be present on any painted surface, but it is most often found on windows, trim, doors, railings, columns, porches and outside walls. Surfaces that have been repainted may have layers of lead paint underneath. A lead inspection can tell you where lead paint is located in your home and a risk assessment can tell you where the hazards are located.

FACT: Scraping, sanding or otherwise disturbing old lead-based paint can release large amounts of toxic lead dust. Learn to work safely with lead paint and make sure any contractor you hire follows lead-safe work practices.

FACT: Most children are poisoned by invisible dust that is released when paint is peeling, damaged or disturbed. The dust settles on floors, and other surfaces. From there it can easily get onto children` s hands or toys and into their mouths. Children can also be poisoned by playing in bare soil which can contain lead from paint that has peeled from outside walls, past use of leaded gasoline and other outside sources.

FACT: Children under age six are most at risk for lead poisoning. When pregnant women are exposed to lead, it can harm their fetuses. In addition, lead poisoning is found at higher rates in African-American children living in older housing.

FACT: The only conclusive way to determining if your child is suffering from the effect of lead poisoning is with a blood lead test. The test is simple, quick and available in a doctor`s office or clinic. Most health plans cover lead tests. Young children who are enrolled in Medicaid and other state health programs can get free lead screenings.

Here are some simple steps you can take to keep children and homes safe from lead paint hazards.

• Keep Paint in Good Shape: Check often for peeling paint. Make sure any problems are fixed promptly and safely.
  
• Work Safely With Lead Paint: Watch out for lead dust when you repair, repaint, or renovate. Insist on lead-safe work practices when you hire a contractor. Make sure to clean up and do a dust test to be sure it is safe.
  
• Keep Your Home Free of Lead Dust: Clean floors and window sills often with soap and water. Make children wash their hands regularly to prevent lead from entering their bodies.
  
• Watch Where Your Children Play: Don`t let children play in bare soil. Look for areas with grass and other coverings.
  
• Test Your Child for Lead: Ask your doctor or health department if your child should be tested for lead.
  

For HUD`s fact sheet, "Lead Paint Can Poison: Prevent Your Family When you Repaint or Remodel," or for other information about making your home lead safe calL 1-800-424-LEAD.

For a free brochure on Lead and other home safety issues, please visit HUD`s Web site.