Possible Sources of Lead Exposure

Paint: Since 1977, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has limited the lead in most paints. Paint for bridges and marine uses may contain more than the recommended level. In the U.S., 74 percent of privately owned housing units built before 1980 contain lead-based paint.

Auto emissions: Lead is no longer in gasoline, but lead from dust in automobile emissions has been deposited in soil. Soil near roads and freeways may be lead contaminated. This is hazardous for children who play near these roads.

Drinking water: Water can be contaminated from lead-soldered pipes. The US Environmental Protection Agency has a toll free Safe Drinking Water hotline at 1-800-426-4791.You can receive information on how to have your water tested and what to do if it has unsafe levels of lead,

Food: Food may be contaminated from lead-soldered cans. Few lead-soldered cans have been produced in the U.S, since 1980, but imported food may be packed in these cans. Imported glazed ceramic pottery contains lead.

Folk remedies: Folk remedies that may contain lead include greta and azarcon, alarcon, alkohl, bali goli, coral, ghasard, liga, pay-Ioo-ah, rueda.

Occupations: Occupations with the possibility of lead exposure include plumbers, pipe fitters, lead miners, auto repairers, glass manufacturers, shipbuilders, printers, plastic manufacturers, lead smelters and refiners, police officers, steel welders or cutters, construction workers, rubber product manufacturers, gas station attendants, battery manufacturers, bridge reconstruction workers, firing range instructors.

Hobbies and other activities: Activities that might involve lead exposure include glazed pottery making, target shooting at firing ranges, lead soldering (e,g" electronics), painting, preparing lead shot or fishing sinkers, stained-glass making, car or boat repair; home remodeling.

Cosmetics: Surma or kohl used around the eyes for medicinal or decorative purposes may contain lead.

Nutritional supplements: Calcium supplements derived from animal bone sources (dolomite) may contain lead

Household items: Old painted toys and antique furniture, including cribs, may contain lead, as do miniblinds made outside the United States before July 1996.