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LEAD

Prevalence of Lead-based Paint in Private Housing

A survey conducted in 1989-1990 by HUD indicated lead-based paint is found in 57 million privately owned and occupied homes built in the United States before 1980 - nearly 75% of the national total. Of these 57 million homes, 10 million are occupied by families with children under the age of seven (those at greatest risk). The conditions in nearly 4 million homes are considered "high priority" because of peeling paint, excessive lead-containing dust or both.

  • 3.8 Million High Priority Homes (Peeling paint, lead-containing dust, or both, and occupants include children under the age of seven).
  • 19.8 Million Homes With No Lead-based Paint.
  • 47.5 Million Homes (Contain lead-based paint, but occupants do not include young children).

Go to the following sites for more information

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

State of California Department of Health Services (DHS)

Today, lead is primarily used in batteries and ammunition; lead oxides are used in paint, glass, and ceramics. Tetraethyl lead was once widely used as an anti-knock agent in gasoline. Other current uses are sheet lead used for building construction, vessels, tanks, and shielding, cable covering, casting, and soldering. In a recent industrial survey, nearly 40% of industrial steel is coated with lead-based paint.