Danger of Lead Paint on Exterior of House But Not Interior

Lead is an ingredient commonly found in paint. Before the 1970s, high levels of lead was used in both interior and exterior paint in homes. Lead-based paint that contained over 0.6 percent lead was banned in 1978. Before the 1950s, levels in paint were at the 50 percent mark and, since 1997, have dropped down to 0.1 percent or less.

Traces of Lead

• Exterior paint that contains lead releases dust, paint particles and paint chips of the chemical into the soil and grass around the house. Remodeling or removing old paint from the exterior of the house can also disturb and release lead around the perimeter of the house.

Areas

• Areas closest to the house have the highest amount of lead concentration. This area is known as the drip zone, because this is where the majority of paint residue and chips have fallen from the outside of the house.

Effects on Children

• Young children pick up and eat paint chips and soil around the house. Children also pick up soil and particles that leave lead dust on their hands or toys.

Effects on Adults

• Adults breathe in the lead particles and dust from maintaining the yard or remodeling the exterior of the house.

Expert Insight

• According to the National Safety Council, 40 percent of all U.S. homes still contain lead. Experts say the safest way to keep children from entering the drip zone is to plant bushes and trees around the drip zone.