Approximately 38 million housing units in the United States pose potential lead-based paint hazards.

Many Americans assume that lead paint poisoning is not a problem anymore. Unfortunately, that’s just not true. Lead poisoning affects more than one million children in the United States. If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity), slowed growth, hearing problems and aggressive behavior.

The most common pathway for lead poisoning is caused by deteriorating lead-based paint (on older windows, doors and trim, or walls) or through improper renovation, repair and painting activities that cause paint to chip, peel, or flake.

This campaign brings the issue of lead paint poisoning back into the public’s purview and encourages parents and caregivers to visit the campaign website leadfreekids.org or call 800-424-LEAD to learn how to safeguard their children. Less