Lead paint, also known as lead-based paint, is a type of paint that contains lead, a toxic metal, as its primary pigment.
Historically used to enhance color durability and adhesion, lead was commonly added to paints until the late 1970s. Lead paint was widely applied to residential, commercial, and industrial properties, including walls, ceilings, trim, furniture, and toys.
However, in 1978, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission banned lead paint from consumer products due to its severe health risks. Lead paint releases lead dust when disturbed, deteriorating, or during renovation activities, contaminating soil, water, and air.
When ingested or inhaled, lead can cause irreversible damage, particularly in children under six, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Exposure to lead paint can lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, organ damage, and even worse.