Where is Lead Found?

Lead can be found in household dust, soil children accidentally ingest, food contaminated by lead, and water supplied through lead pipes. It can also be found in some toy jewelry and old toys made in the United States and some imported toys painted with lead-based paint, along with some vinyl and plastic toys have lead added as a softener. Some imported ceramics and glazed dishes made in the U.S. prior to the 1990s also contain lead. Other potential sources include older, vinyl mini-blinds and imported aluminum cans with soldered seams, and occupational take home exposures (e.g., construction jobs).