The primary source of lead in a house is from lead-containing paint used in the homes built before 1978. The lead-containing paint was banned in 1978, therefore, houses built after 1978 do not have lead containing paint. The occupants of the house get lead poisoning by breathing lead-containing paint dust. The chipped and peeling paint can be carried to the kitchen and other parts of house by foot traffic and can also be airborne. Lead in drinking water comes from lead pipes, used in pre-1978 construction for water distribution, and solder used for connecting copper pipes. Lead water pipes and lead-containing solder are no longer used in todays home construction.

Lead attacks the central nervous system, causing brain damage and learning disabilities. Children and pregnant women especially are more vulnerable to lead poisoning as compared to other adults. The paint in homes built prior to 1978 must be tested for lead. Remedial measures to remove lead-containing paint is quite expensive and can only be performed by a certified environmental contractor. The removed paint can only be disposed of in a designated landfill as approved by EPA. The cost of lead test is $75.