Lead Law Update (FAQ Series): What is the brief history of lead paint poisoning?

We are regularly receiving questions regarding the new Lead Law and have created a weekly “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ’s) forum for you as you desire to become more informed of the Lead Law and its complexity.

This week we are featuring a common question:

Question: What is the brief history of lead paint poisoning?

Answer: Congress passed the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 to protect families from exposure to lead from paint, dust, and soil.

Prior to 1978, many paints that were manufactured contained lead, because lead was added to paint to accelerate drying, increase durability, maintain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture that causes corrosion.

It wasn’t until the 70’s that researchers discovered that exposure to lead can seriously harm a child's health, including damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problem