Sources of Lead Poisoning

• Lead-Based Paint

• Contaminated Soil

• Drinking Water

• Traditional Remedies

• Workplace and Hobby Hazards

• Lead-glazed Ceramic Ware, Pottery & Leaded Crystal

• Imported Candy

• Mini-blinds

Lead-Based Paint

Lead-based paint is the most common source of lead poisoning. Paint containing lead was not prohibited in the U.S. until 1978. Homes built before 1960 frequently contain layers of lead-based paint, which can chip, peel or flake. Most of the children who are exposed to lead get it from household dust that contains lead particles released from old paint.

Two main sources of lead dust in houses are:

• Improper renovation of homes with lead-based paint - disturbing the old paint layer during remodeling by sanding, scraping or tearing into the painted surface can release lead dust in and around the house.

• Painted surfaces subject to repeated impact and wear, such as floors, window frames and doors, can also produce lead dust over time.

Children can get poisoning when they ingest lead dust or chips from worn or damaged layers of lead-based paint.

• Children may eat lead-based paint chips, which sometimes taste sweet.

• Deteriorating exterior paint can contaminate soil around the house where children play.
• Lead-dust can get on objects that children place in their mouths.
• Lead-dust can also collect in the air and on the floor where children play.

Parents and remodelers, take note!
It is very important for people to use extreme caution before making any attempt to repaint and remodel old painted surfaces in homes with lead-based paint! Incredibly small amounts of lead dust can create substantial health risks, especially to young children. For example:

Imagine 2 tablespoons of sugar. That same amount of lead dust spread evenly over the floors of 280 houses, each house having ten rooms, each room measuring 10 feet by 10 feet, would leave lead dust levels of 100 micrograms per square foot. This amount is more than twice the federal standard for lead dust on household floors. When children play on floors, then put their fingers in their mouths, they can get this poisonous lead dust into their bodies. Or, the dust can get into the air that children breathe.

Contaminated Soil

• Children may be exposed to lead through contaminated soil when they play outside.

• Deteriorating lead-based paint can contaminate soil around buildings and old playground equipment.
• Leaded gasoline may contaminate soil near busy roads and through leaks from underground storage tanks.
• Smoke and dust from industries, such as lead ore mining and milling, smelting, municipal solid waste incinerators and lead-acid battery recycling facilities can also contaminate soil.

Drinking Water
Lead in drinking water most often comes from water distribution lines or household plumbing rather than from the water system source.  Lead from other sources can add to the effects of lead in water. Boiling the water will not remove the lead.

For more information on lead in drinking water, visit the Washington State Department of Health's Drinking Water Program.

Workplace and Hobby Hazards
Parents may bring lead home on their hands, clothing and shoes. Jobs that expose people to lead include painting, construction or home remodeling, radiator repair, battery or scrap metal recycling, pottery manufacturing, working with guns and ammunition, industries using lead solder, roadwork, and shipbuilding.

Dust and fumes from hobbies can be a source lead. These hobbies include stained glass windows with lead solder, glazing and firing ceramics, working with guns and ammunition, target practice on indoor and outdoor firing ranges, refinishing furniture, remolding old homes and jewelry making.

Traditional Remedies
Some traditional folk medicines and cosmetics contain high levels of lead. They are very dangerous and should never be used.

• Azarcon and greta are bright colored powders containing almost 100 percent lead. They are often used within the Hispanic community and are given to children with intestinal illness or empacho.

• Pay-loo-ah is a red or orange powder used within the Hmong community and given to children as a cure for rash or fever.

• Ghasard, Bala Goli, and Kandu are Asian Indian remedies used for stomachaches.

• Kohl or surma are used by Arab communities for cosmetic and medicinal purposes.

• Ayurvedic medicines may also contain lead.

The Oregon State Lead Poisoning Prevention Program has a detailed list of  possible lead containing home remedies and cosmetics.  PDF

Lead-glazed Ceramic Ware, Pottery & Leaded Crystal
Lead is used to make ceramic glazes with deep and brilliant color. However, acids in food and drink can draw out the lead used in these ceramic glazes and crystal. Lead can contaminate the food and liquids that are put on, stored in, or cooked with these items.

Washington State Department of Health: Tests Results on Pottery Samples from Washington State, 2005.

For more information about lead in ceramics, visit:

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration Standards.

• What You Should Know About Lead in China Dishes.

• Lead in Tableware - California Regulation Information.

• Information About Lead in Ceramics from Asia.

Imported Candy
Candy that contains chili powder and tamarind made in other countries often contains lead. It is best to avoid buying or eating these candies. Examples of chili containing products include lollipops coated with chili and powdery mixtures of salt, lemon flavor and chili seasoning sold as a snack item.

Lead has often been found in certain consumer candies imported from Mexico. Lead sometimes gets into the candy when processes such as drying, storing and grinding the ingredients are done improperly. Also, lead has been found in the wrappers of some imported candies. The ink of these plastic or paper wrappers may contain lead that leaches into the candy. People selling these candies may not know whether the candy contains lead. You cannot tell by looking at or tasting a candy whether it contains lead.

Washington State Department of Health: Tests Results on Candy Samples from Washington State, 2005.

For more information about lead in candy, visit:

• The Orange County Register: Toxic Treats.

• FDA Statement on Lead Contamination in Certain Candy Products Imported from Mexico (April 9, 2004).

• Washington State Department of Health Extends Warning on Lead-tainted Mexican Candies (May 11, 2001).
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• The California State Health Department Warns Consumers Not to Eat CHACA CHACA, Lead-contaminated Candy from Mexico (March 18, 2004).

Mini-blinds
Mini-blinds that are old or imported may contain lead. Sunlight and heat can cause the surface to break down and to release lead dust. This lead dust can get into the air and collect near or below the blinds.