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Where is lead found?
Children are most often exposed to lead from:
  • Paint flakes can contain leadDeteriorating lead-based paint - Houses built before may have lead-based paint. The older the house, the greater the likelihood that lead-based paint was used.
  • Lead dust - Lead-based paint on window sashes and door jambs can be rubbed off by friction.
  • Lead contaminated soil - Lead can get into soil from lead-based paint or from lead contaminated car battery parts.
Children can be exposed to lead through other sources, including:
  • Water supply pipes and fixtures - Lead solder was used in water supply pipes until 1986. Some water fixtures contain fittings that may still have lead content.
  • Costume jewelry and toys - Products such as costume jewelry, imported crayons or toys, or painted furniture may contain lead, especially if manufactured in a foreign country.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a list of product recalls.
  • Lead can be found in toysLead can be found in toy bracelets








  • Car battery chips or pieces -
    • Some properties in Dakota County may have broken car battery chips Battery chipsburied in the ground. The lead-contaminated chips may have been used in the repair or installation of septic systems, or as fill for lot landscaping or driveway base. Lead acid battery casings are a potential source of exposure to lead and can contaminate soil. 
  • Work clothes and shoes - If someone works in a lead-related industry such as battery manufacture or recycling, auto repair, or fishing supply manufacturing, lead can be brought into the house. 

  • Hobbies or crafts - Activities such as making fishing tackle, home remodeling, furniture refinishing, or making jewelry or leaded glass can be a source of lead in your home.
Leaded glassGlaze on pottery can contain lead

  • Food preparation and storage - Some containers, such as glazed pottery or lead crystal, may contain lead that could contaminate the food you eat.
  • Residue from burning items in fireplaces or fire pits - Lead could be released If items that contain lead, such as painted wood, are burned in your fireplace or in your yard.
  • Home remedies or cosmetics - Some home remedies (arzacon, greta, pay-loo-ah) and cosmetics (kohl, alkohl) contain lead.
This page was last updated on: 04/10/2012