Lead poisoning can occur when lead dust is inhaled in homes built as far back as the 1960's, or farther. Other sources of lead toxin might be old water feed pipes which are lead lined. Lead is a metal that accumulates in the body and damages the central nervous system. Especially vulnerable are children under 6 years, who are developing neurologically.

Homes built after 1978 may have much less, if any, lead in building materials, as mandated by federal law. In addition, local governments in the US have created codes which deal with lead pollution through annual inspections and discretionary testing of older dwellings.

Lead testing should be a major priority for any family living in a home built before the late 70's. If water tests reveal lead, the bathroom and kitchen should be re-plumbed. Even dust in the air can transfer lead, especially if there is chipping lead paint or home improvements being performed. Lead may also be found in soil samples from around the home.

Some solutions involve a lot of work, like gutting old lead painted plaster walls or painted siding. Some municipal codes are being implemented which promote a lead containment policy. In this method, walls are covered with drywall and all crevices are sealed with appropriate sealing compounds. This means the places where walls meet the floor, door jambs and window frames, even sealing the minute spaces where switch and outlet boxes penetrate the walls.