lead
Lead exposure, even at low levels, can cause brain and organ damage, as well as developmental delays in children, research has shown.
Manufacturers have used lead in many different products, including paint, batteries, water pipes, solder, pottery and gasoline. HUD estimates that 75% of the houses built in the United States before 1978 contain some lead-based paint. In 1991, the Secretary of HUD characterized lead poisoning as the "number one environmental threat to the health of children in the United States." (ref: Federal Register Vol. 59, No. 46 dated March 9, 1994) "One-sixth of all children in the United States still have high levels of lead in their blood".
In Canada, The use of lead for water service lines was permitted by the National Plumbing Code of Canada until 1975, while lead solder was permitted until 1986. Solder containing lead for drinking water supplies was prohibited under this code after 1990. High levels of lead in the blood system is often found from environmental factors such as older homes with original plumbed in lead based pipes which have eroded over time, allowing small amounts of lead to entry clean drinking water. The cost of replacing the private section of the pipe typically falls on homeowners.
The presence of lead based paint in housing represents the most significant hazard remaining for lead poisoning, particularly for young children. The most common means of exposure is for young children to eat peeled and flaked pieces of paint. The taste of the paint chips is sweet and the child continues to eat the paint, thus resulting in brain damage.
Lead-based paint and lead based water pipes are major sources of lead poisoning in children and adults. Lead can enter the body through the respiratory track or by ingesting lead contaminated dust, soil or paint chips containing lead. Lead dust and paint chips from peeling or flaking paint can get into dust and soil in and around a home presenting a hazard.