✅ What we do know about childhood lead poisoning
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at a given time roughly 500,000 U.S. children age 1–5 have blood lead levels at or above 5 µg/dL — the “reference level” used in recent years to trigger public-health attention. (CDC Stacks)
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In 2007–2012 data, about 2.6% of U.S. children aged 1–5 had blood lead levels ≥ 5 µg/dL — which at that time corresponded to roughly 535,000 children nationwide (based on census estimates). (PubMed)
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Historically, when the “elevated” threshold was higher (≥ 10 µg/dL), many fewer children would have met that level. For example, in one earlier surveillance period, tens of thousands of children were reported with BLLs ≥ 10 µg/dL. (CDC)
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Globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), lead exposure remains widespread: estimates suggest hundreds of millions of children worldwide have blood lead levels high enough to pose health risks. (World Health Organization)
⚠️ Why it's hard to say “cases per year”
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Not all exposures are tested or reported — Many children are never tested for lead, especially if they don’t show symptoms. So national “case” numbers undercount the true exposures.
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Different thresholds over time — What counts as “poisoning” changes (for example, the reference blood lead level has been lowered over the years), so past and current data aren’t directly comparable.
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Blood lead levels fluctuate — A child might test high once, lower another time — that makes “case counting” tricky.
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No universal national reporting system — States and local health departments report data in different ways. National surveillance captures only a portion of actual cases.
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“Poisoning” is a spectrum — Even low-level lead exposure (well below “high blood lead”) can have harmful effects; many of those exposures never become “official cases.”
🎯 What a “Case Estimate” Means in Context
Because of the points above, instead of saying “X children poisoned every year,” public-health agencies often talk about prevalence (how many children currently have elevated lead levels) or percent of children tested with elevated levels — rather than an annual “case count.”
So when you see “about 500,000 U.S. children” with elevated blood lead levels, that’s a snapshot — not the number of new cases in a year.
How to Limit Toxic Lead Levels in the Home You’re Buying: A Home Inspector’s Expert Guide
Buying a home is exciting — but if the property was built before 1978, there’s one silent hazard every buyer should take seriously: lead.
Lead-based paint and contaminated household dust are still among the biggest sources of childhood lead exposure in the U.S. The good news? With the right steps, you can drastically reduce risk before you move in.
As a professional home inspector, here’s what I recommend every buyer do to ensure their new home is as safe as possible.
1. Start With the Home’s Age: 1978 Is the Magic Number
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. It was outlawed that year, but millions of older homes still have it beneath newer layers.
What buyers should do:
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Always treat pre-1978 homes as “lead-suspect.”
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Ask the seller for any lead disclosures, inspections, or abatement records.
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Don’t assume “fresh paint” means no risk — lead can hide underneath.
2. Get a Professional Lead Inspection or Risk Assessment
A general home inspection won’t include lead testing — you need a specialist for that.
Lead Inspection:
Identifies which surfaces contain lead-based paint.
Risk Assessment:
Identifies whether lead hazards (peeling paint, contaminated dust, soil) are currently present.
Best option for buyers:
✔️ Combined inspection + risk assessment for a full picture.
✔️ Especially important if you have children or plan to renovate.
3. Control Painted Surfaces Before They Become a Hazard
Lead-based paint that is intact is usually not dangerous. It becomes hazardous when it:
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Cracks
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Chips
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Peels
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Gets disturbed during renovations
Buyer tips:
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Repaint deteriorated surfaces using proper prep (wet scraping, not dry sanding).
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Hire EPA-certified lead-safe renovators for any repairs.
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Avoid DIY sanding or grinding — this spreads toxic dust.
4. Handle Renovations the Right Way (Especially in Older Homes)
Renovation is the #1 cause of lead dust exposure in older homes.
If you plan to remodel:
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Hire an EPA RRP-certified contractor.
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Ensure they contain dust with plastic barriers, HEPA vacuums, and proper cleaning.
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Never allow open-flame burning or uncontrolled sanding of old paint.
Remember: Even a small project can contaminate an entire home if done incorrectly.
5. Reduce Household Dust — The #1 Exposure Path for Kids
Lead dust is invisible. It can settle on floors, toys, furniture, and window sills.
Simple ways to limit exposure:
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Wet-clean floors weekly.
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Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, not a standard bag vacuum.
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Wipe window sills and tracks with disposable wet wipes.
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Remove shoes at the door to prevent soil lead from being tracked inside.
6. Pay Attention to Windows: A Major Source of Lead Dust
Old windows rub painted surfaces every time they open or close.
This friction creates lead dust, even when no paint is peeling.
Buyer checklist:
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Inspect window sills and troughs for peeling paint.
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Consider replacing old single-pane wood windows with safer alternatives.
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Clean window tracks frequently.
7. Check the Home’s Water Supply
While paint is the biggest risk, lead in water is also a concern.
Lead can enter drinking water through:
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Old lead service lines
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Lead-soldered copper pipes
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Brass fixtures
What to do:
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Ask the seller or utility company whether the home has a lead service line.
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Install a filter certified for NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (removes lead).
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Run cold water for 30–60 seconds before drinking or cooking.
8. Don’t Forget the Soil
Lead from exterior paint or old gasoline can contaminate the soil around older homes.
Risk is highest:
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Along the foundation
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Under old porches
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In garden areas near the house
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Where children play outdoors
Reduce exposure:
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Cover bare soil with grass or mulch.
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Use raised garden beds with clean soil.
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Keep kids away from foundation soil.
9. Make Lead-Safe Cleaning Part of Your Routine
The safest homes aren’t “lead-free,” they’re lead-managed.
Use this simple routine:
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Wet mop hard floors weekly
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HEPA vacuum carpets
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Wipe high-touch surfaces (sills, baseboards)
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Wash children’s hands often
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Clean toys regularly
These habits alone dramatically reduce toxic exposure.
10. When in Doubt, Test Again
Lead doesn’t expire. Surfaces that were safe years ago may deteriorate today.
If you notice:
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New cracking or chipping paint
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Excessive dust
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Renovation work nearby
…it’s wise to test again.
You can use:
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Professional risk assessors
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EPA-recognized DIY swabs (for quick checks)
Final Thoughts: Lead Is Preventable — But Only If You Stay Proactive
Buying a home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. The key to staying safe is education and proactive maintenance.
A home with lead-based paint can be a safe home — as long as you identify the hazards and manage them correctly.
If you're buying a pre-1978 home and want peace of mind, schedule a lead-safe consultation or full inspection. It’s one of the smartest investments you can make for your family’s long-term health.
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