Question:
It is estimated that about 64 million homes in the United States still contain lead paint and that 5 to 15 million of these have been identified as "very hazardous" by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. According to the EPA, an estimated 1.7 million children are currently affected by lead toxicity in United States, and almost 900,000 of all children affected are under the age of six.

Is it dangerous?

Answer: It is important to note that childhood exposure to lead can result in adverse effects well into adulthood. A study by Stokes, et al, showed that a group of 281 young adults who had been exposed to lead as children showed significant adverse neurobehavioral effects 20 years after environmental exposure. While lead has been eliminated from the nation's gasoline supply, the major source of contamination is lead-based paint, which was composed of up to 50% lead. Flakes and microscopic dust from the paint continue to contaminant homes for many years, and can be released in larger amounts during renovations. Additional sources of lead include water pipes, pesticides, factory emissions, cosmetics, and some folk remedies.

In addition to being a cellular toxin, lead competes with calcium in the body, which can cause various malfunctions in calcium metabolism including a decrease in neurotransmitter (chemicals that relay messages along nerve cells) release and blockade of calcium channels. The central nervous system appears to be affected to the greatest degree by lead toxicity, and this can explain the many neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with exposure to this heavy metal.