Sources of Lead Pollution

Lead is a toxic metal whose high potency makes it a dangerous environmental threat to human health. In adults, lead is linked to reproductive and nervous system problems, high blood pressure, kidney damage, memory and concentration difficulties and, in high amounts, coma, convulsions and death. At particular risk are children who may suffer brain or nervous system damage, behavioral and learning problems and slowed growth. By learning more about sources of lead pollution, you can reduce your risk of exposure.

Pipes and Solders

• Over time, lead pipes release lead particles into tap water.

  Lead pipes, often found in older homes in the United States, can release lead into drinking water as they corrode. Lead-based solder, a metallic alloy used to connect copper pipes or brass and chrome-plated faucets, was also used in homes until the mid-1980s. Over time, lead solders release lead particles into tap water, contaminating drinking water. In 1986, Congress restricted lead solder to contain no more than 0.2 percent lead, and lead in pipes, faucets and other plumbing materials to no more than 8 percent, according to the New York State Department of Health.

Gasoline

• Gas additive tetraethyl lead is a main source of lead pollution.

  Before 1973, gasoline contained an additive known as tetraethyl lead. Fumes from vehicle exhausts powered by gas with tetraethyl lead were found to be highly toxic and resulted in widespread lead exposure. Lead particles from these fumes settle in the soil and remain in the environment for years, according to the Mayo Clinic. In 1973 the U.S. government phased out gasoline containing lead until it was eventually banned for sale in 1996, notes the New York State Department.

Paint

• Deteriorating lead paint releases dust contaminated with lead into the air.

  Lead-based paints, banned for use in 1978, are the greatest source of lead pollution in the U.S., according to the Environmental Protection Agency. An estimated 24 million homes in the country contain lead paint and high levels of household dust contaminated with lead, notes the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control. Lead paint, previously used to improve the longevity of paint and for its effectiveness in hiding undesirable surfaces, is particularly harmful for children who may eat paint chips peeling from walls or chew on painted toys containing lead. Adults are also exposed to lead from paint when a painted surface chips or cracks. Additionally, improper home renovations can dislodge lead particles and release them into the air in and around the home.

Industry

• The mining industry releases lead into the environment.

  Several industries such as the petroleum, mining, smelting, lead-acid battery manufacturing, waste incinerating and mining industries release lead into the air and soil. Workers in these industries can bring lead particles into their homes on their clothes, shoes or skin. Wind-blown dust or soil containing contaminated lead is tracked into homes on shoes, creating an additional source of exposure.

  Ceramics, glass, pottery and china containing lead are also a health hazard. Lead from these products or containers leaches into food or drink. Similarly, imported food cans still used in some countries may contain lead solder. The solder, used along the seams of tin cans, can leak into food over time.

  In the medicinal and cosmetics industries, some products also contain lead. Folk medicines Azarcon and Greta, both used in India and South Asia to treat upset stomach, are linked to lead exposure. Eye cosmetics such as Kohl and Surma, commonly used as eyeliners, have also been found to contain high level of lead.