Peeling Paint
Lead Poisoning
Sources of Lead
Sources of Lead
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems. It is especially dangerous for young children. Knowing the sources of lead can help to prevent lead poisoning. Please note that this list is not all-encompassing because new sources of lead are still being discovered. Always stay informed and take precautions to protect yourself and others from lead poisoning.

Paint and Dust
  • The #1 source of lead poisoning is lead paint and dust in older homes.
  • Old Paint: Homes built before 1978 often contain lead-based paint. When paint deteriorates, it creates lead dust.
  • Renovation Projects: Sanding, cutting, and demolition can release lead dust and chips.
- For more information on lead paint and dust, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Soil
  • Bare Soil: Lead can be found in soil by homes built before 1978, junk yards, outdoor shooting ranges, and busy roads.
- For more information on lead in soil, visit the Center for Disease Control.

Pipes and Faucets
  • Lead Pipes: Pluming materials containing lead and leach into drinking water, especially in homes built before 1986.
  • Solder and Fixtures: Lead solder and brass fixtures can also cause lead to be in drinking water.
- For more information on lead in pipes and faucets, visit the Center for Disease Control. 
- If you are concerned about lead pipes, contact your local water utility.
- Green Bay Water are the leaders in getting lead out of our water system. They completed their last known lead service replacement in the City of Green Bay on October 6, 2020. To learn more about the steps that Green Bay Water took to get lead out of water in the City of Green Bay, visit "Get the Lead Out".

Products
  • Toys: Lead can be found in paint and plastic of imported and old toys.
  • Jewelry: Lead can be found in costume jewelry and Mardi Gras beads.
  • Imported Candy: Lead has been found in both the candy and the wrappers in some imported candy.
  • Ceramics and Cookware: Lead-glazed ceramics and cookware can leach lead into food and beverages.
  • Spices: Lead can be found in certain spices imported from other countries. Turmeric is one spice that can contain lead. Lead powder is sometimes added to the turmeric root or powder to make the product more vibrant yellow and cover insect damage. Most recently, there was a recall in the U.S. for cinnamon applesauce products for elevated lead levels (the cinnamon used in the product was imported from another country).
- For more information on lead in products, please visit the Center for Disease Control. 
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) monitors for recalls on lead paint in toys.
- The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) monitors for recalls on unsafe levels of lead in foods.
 
Traditional Remedies and Cosmetics
  • Traditional Remedies: Some folk remedies, such as azarcon, greta, nzu, poto, and calabash chalk, contain high levels of lead.
  • Traditional Cosmetics: Certain cosmetics, including khol, surma, kajal, sindoor, and thanakha, have been found to contain lead.
- For more information and to  learn if the products you are using may have lead, visit the EPA.

Work
  • Industries: Workers in industries such as construction, smelting, batter manufacturing, and auto repair are at risk of lead exposure.
  • Take-Home Lead: Workers can bring lead dust home from their clothing and shoes, exposing their families.
- For additional information, visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 
 
Hobbies
  • Fishing: Leaded fishing sinkers (usually you can make a mark on paper with it or dent it with pliers because lead is very malleable). For more information, visit the WI Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
  • Firearm Usage/Hunting: Firearm-related take-home lead occurs when an individual discharges a firearm that uses lead-based ammunition and primer, which the US almost uses exclusively. The lead dust settles on clothes and personal items, such as phones or bags, and even vehicles and common spaces. For more information, visit the WI Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
  • Making Stained Glass: This involves handling lead came and solder, which can produce hazardous lead dust and fumes.
  • Making Pottery: Dyes and glazes used in pottery can contain lead.
  • Stock Car Building/Racing: Weights used in stock cars can contain lead.
- For more information on lead paint and dust, visit the EPA. 

Second Hand Smoke
  • Cigarettes: Cigarettes can contain lead. Active and secondhand smoking is associated with increase blood lead levels in the United States.
- For more information visit the Center for Disease Control.