Lead Paint:

Older homes such as those built before 1978 may contain Lead-Based Paint. As the paint wears, it can chip or peel off of the wall. With normal wear the paint on windows and doors can easily rub off from constant use. If the paint on these surfaces contains lead, the flaking or friction may create a lead dust you may not be able to see. It is important to clean these surfaces often with a wet cloth in order to remove any potential lead dust hazard.

Water:

Older plumbing, solder or fixtures may have been made with lead. This may cause the lead to leach out of these materials and into your water. Let your tap run for about 5 minutes before using it. Only cook with or drink cold water from your tap. It is easier for lead to leach out of these materials when warm water is flowing through the pipes. Therefore use cold water whenever possible.

Food:

Food could have been contaminated if it was grown in lead contaminated soil. Food can be contaminated if it is stored in ceramics, cans or other containers containing lead. Many ceramics that are made in foreign countries may contain lead. If you suspect or even if you are not sure, DO NOT use those containers to serve food. Use glass or plastic containers instead.

Soil:

Gasoline contained lead until the mid 1980’s. Soil near highways may still be contaminated with lead from before leaded gasoline was phased out. Soil may have been contaminated from lead paint from buildings, insecticides or pollution from highways.