Racine County Public Health Division
Description: Explore the safety measures put into place to make sure that you and your family are safe from lead poisoning.
Which would you choose: to live in a home you could afford, or one that is healthy for your family? Sadly, too many families in America are forced with that decision every day.
Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal that produces a range of adverse health effects, particularly in young children. Lead dust is of particular concern as it is often undetected and easily absorbed. Leaded paint used on the interior and exterior of homes was banned in the U.S. in 1978. However, it is estimated that about 75% of homes built before 1978 contain some lead paint.
Both inside and outside the home, deteriorated lead-paint mixes with household dust and soil and becomes tracked in. Children may become lead poisoned by:
Racine County Public Health Division