Lead Information

Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. In addition to its effects on health, particularly children under six years old, lead is an environmental issue because it can contaminate our drinking water.

Since the 1980’s, the EPA has phased out lead in gasoline, reduced lead in drinking water, reduced lead in industrial air pollution, and banned or limited lead used in consumer products, including residential paint. States and municipalities have set up programs to identify and treat lead poisoned children and to rehabilitate deteriorated housing.

Lead is a hazardous product and must be taken into account when recycling household products. Materials containing lead should not be disposed of in a way where the lead can enter the environment, particularly our drinking water.