Lead Based Paint

Protecting Your Child From Lead Paint

As of 1978, the use of lead-based paint in real estate was prohibited. Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead has been linked to cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children under 6 years old are the most at risk because their little bodies are growing so quickly.

The primary sources of lead exposure for children are:

1. Deteriorating lead-based paint
2. Lead contaminated dust
3. Lead contaminated residential soil

Reducing Risk

The EPA has played a major role in addressing these residential lead hazards. In 1978, there were nearly three to four million children with elevated blood lead levels in the United States. By 2002, that number had dropped to 310,000 kids, and it continues to decline. While we still have a significant challenge, EPA is very proud of how federal, state, tribal, and private sector partners have coordinated efforts with the public to better protect our children.

Removing Lead From Our Life

Since the 1980's, EPA and its federal partners have phased out lead in gasoline, reduced lead in drinking water, reduced lead in industrial air pollution, and banned or limited lead used in consumer products, including residential paint. States and municipalities have set up programs to treat lead poisoned children and to rehabilitate deteriorated housing. Parents have helped to reduce lead exposures to their children by thoroughly cleaning their homes, continuously checking lead levels in their children’s’ blood, and by promoting proper nutrition. The Agency's Lead Awareness Program works to protect a person’s health and the environment from the dangers of lead by developing regulations, conducting research, and designing educational materials. For more information, and to order materials or speak to an information specialist by contacting The National Lead Information Center (NLIC) 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

If your townhome was built before 1978, you could be placing yourself and your family at risk! To find out how to save your health and the health of the ones you love contact us at LeadBasedPaint@VirginiaIsForTownhomes.com.