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Protecting Children from Lead Paint

Lead is a toxic metal. Even small amounts can harm children when they breathe it in or swallow it. In the past, builders used lead paint because it created bright colors and dried fast. Over time, paint can flake and chip or produce a fine dust that contains lead. The United States banned lead paint in 1978.

Why worry about lead in paint?

  • Lead can affect children’s ability to learn, their speech and hearing, and their development. It may cause lower IQs and hyperactivity.
  • Children younger than age 6 are most at risk for harm from exposure to lead.
  • Children often play on the floor and put toys or hands in their mouths. This can expose them to lead flakes, chips, and dust.

How do I know if my building has lead paint?

Your early learning facility may have lead paint if it is in a building built before 1978. The lead paint may be on the inside or outside: on walls, railings, trim, door and window frames, porches, fences, sheds, and other painted surfaces. The older the building, the more likely there is lead paint. Even if the lead paint is under other layers of paint, it can still be a risk. 

Here’s how to find out if your building has lead paint:

  • The first step is to find out when your building was built. This information may be on the title or deed to a property, in tax records, or in real estate documents. Contact local government offices for help.
  • For buildings built before 1978, your program should hire a Lead-Safe Certified lead inspector or lead risk assessor to find out which surfaces have lead paint. A lead risk assessor is also qualified to give advice on the best way to remove lead paint hazards.
  • Most do-it-yourself lead test kits are not accurate enough to make sure a building is free of lead paint. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves of only three lead test kits.

What can I do to keep my early childhood program safe from lead paint hazards?

If your program is in an older building, you can take steps to protect children from lead paint. Lead paint that is in good condition and well maintained is usually not a problem. Your program should write a plan that explains your steps to prevent lead exposure, such as:

  • Paint kept in good condition is not hazardous. Check all painted surfaces at least once a year for cracking, chipping, peeling, or areas where the paint is rubbing off. Be sure to also check around doors and windows and on painted surfaces like porches and railings. Write down what you see and keep it as a record.
  • Lead paint creates very fine dust. You may not be able to see it, but it is still hazardous. Routine cleaning is critical. Keep surfaces free from dust by:
    • Dusting horizontal surfaces, window sills, and window wells with a damp paper towel. After dusting, throw the paper towel away and wash your hands.
    • Mopping hard floors with a damp mop. A damp mop will pick up more dust than sweeping.
    • Using a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter for carpets and rugs.
    • Cleaning toys at least once a week.
  • The soil around a building that has lead paint can also contain lead. Do not allow children to play in soil around buildings built before 1978. Wipe shoes on a good-quality doormat or remove shoes before going inside, especially before walking in areas where children play on the floor. Wash children’s hands when they go inside.
  • A Lead-Safe Certified professional must do any renovations, repairs, painting, or other work where lead paint is or may be present. This is a requirement for child-occupied buildings. Even small repairs, like plumbing or electrical work, can create enough lead dust to poison a child. Children must not be present until the certified contractor has made sure the area is safe.
  • Check the rules for state, Tribal, territorial, and local child care licensing agencies, and follow the strictest rules. Public health agencies may also be able to give advice on preventing lead exposure.

What do I do if there are lead paint hazards?

If your testing finds lead paint hazards, you will need lead hazard control work to make sure the program space is safe for children. Work may include remediation (making the space lead-safe) or abatement (removing the lead hazard). Only a trained Lead-Safe Certified professional should do this work.

How do I find Lead-Safe Certified professionals?

  • The EPA can help you find certified professionals in your area. This includes inspectors, risk assessors, and professionals who can do repairs, renovations, painting, or lead removal.
  • Some states and Tribes run their own Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) programs. Check the EPA website for a list of these states and Tribes, and a link to their RRP website where they may have a list of approved contractors.
  • The National Lead Information Center can help you find a certified professional.
  • If using other sources to find a contractor, make sure the contractor shows you their certificate of qualification to do the work.

How do I pay for lead inspections or repairs?

  • Head Start programs can use program funds to pay for testing and needed repairs. Include these expenses in your yearly operating budget. You can also apply for one-time funding from your Regional Office.
  • If you rent or lease your space, see if you can change your lease agreement to require the landlord to do a lead inspection, give your program the inspection results, and make sure that the facility has no lead hazards.

What else can I do to protect children from lead?

Follow these other steps to reduce exposure to lead:

  • Wash children’s hands often throughout the day.
  • Properly clean and sanitize children’s toys.
  • Make sure children eat a healthy, balanced diet, which can help protect the body from lead. Foods high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C can help reduce the amount of lead the body absorbs.
  • Avoid old or antique toys and furniture that may have lead.
  • Refer families with concerns about lead exposure to their health care provider.

Where can I learn more about lead in paint?

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