Where Is Lead Found Today

Lead can be found in all parts of our environment – the air, the soil, the water, and even inside our homes. Much of our exposure comes from human activities including the use of fossil fuels including past use of leaded gasoline, some types of industrial facilities and past use of lead-based paint in homes.

Is lead still used today?

The largest use for lead is in storage batteries in cars and other vehicles. Lead compounds are used as a pigment in paints, dyes, and ceramic glazes, and in caulk. Lead paint was banned for consumer use in 1978 in the U.S.; however, it is still used in industrial paints such as those used on cars, bridges, and ships.

Where is lead coming from?

Lead is a toxic heavy metal found in mineral deposits in the earth’s crust. It does not usually occur naturally in drinking water, but can be present from the use of lead-based solder or lead pipes, or from a contaminated water source.