Lead Exposure
Environmental Risk Factor
Lead exposure remains one of the most significant environmental health threats in America, despite decades of regulations. The primary sources are lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 and lead water service lines delivering drinking water. Approximately 400,000 miles of lead service lines still deliver water across the country. Lead paint is present in approximately 24 million US homes. There is no safe level of lead exposure, and children are particularly vulnerable as lead affects brain development. The Flint water crisis brought national attention to this ongoing crisis, but many communities face similar or worse lead exposure risks.
How It's Measured
Lead exposure is assessed through blood lead level testing (BLL), reported in micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL). The CDC reference value is 3.5 μg/dL for children. We evaluate lead risk based on housing age (pre-1978 construction percentage), known lead service line density, historical blood lead level data, lead-in-water testing results, and soil lead contamination from historical sources like leaded gasoline and industrial emissions. The EPA action level for lead in water is 15 parts per billion (ppb) at the tap.
Health Effects
- ⚠️Irreversible brain damage and lowered IQ in children
- ⚠️Behavioral and learning disorders in children
- ⚠️Kidney damage and high blood pressure in adults
- ⚠️Reproductive problems and pregnancy complications
- ⚠️Neurological effects including memory loss and tremors
- ⚠️Cardiovascular effects from long-term low-level exposure
Data Sources
- 📊CDC Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance data
- 📊EPA Lead and Copper Rule monitoring results
- 📊HUD American Housing Survey lead paint data
- 📊State health department lead testing databases
How to Protect Yourself
- ✓Test your water for lead, especially if your home has lead service lines
- ✓Get children tested for lead exposure at ages 1 and 2
- ✓If your home was built before 1978, test paint before renovating
- ✓Use certified lead-safe work practices for any renovation in older homes
- ✓Run cold water for 30 seconds before using for drinking or cooking
- ✓Use a water filter certified for lead removal (NSF Standard 53)