Lead
Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can be highly toxic to human health, particularly children. Lead exposure can come from a variety of products, which is why we continue to research and regulate high levels of lead in products.
What are common sources of lead exposure?
Despite being restricted since 1978, lead paint remains the most common source of childhood lead poisoning. While lead exposure has decreased in recent years due to regulations on lead in paint and gasoline, people can still be exposed to lead from:
- Contaminated soil, food, and drinking water.
- Some consumer products.
For example, lead can be a contaminant in some metal-based products, such as cookware or jewelry and is still intentionally used in some weighted products, like fishing weights and ammunition, which can release lead to the environment. Learn more about common sources of lead poisoning.
What are the health impacts of lead exposure?
Lead is a potent neurotoxicant, meaning it can harm our brains. Children are most vulnerable to the impacts of lead exposure. Lead exposure in children is associated with:
- Decreased intelligence quotient (IQ) scores
- Anti-social behavior
- High blood pressure
- Kidney damage
Because lead is so harmful to brain development, there is no known safe level of lead exposure, particularly for children.
What is Ecology doing about lead?
Although lead exposure is declining, we and the Department of Health continue to reduce sources of lead exposure. Lead is regulated in consumer products under a number of statutes and programs.
Timeline: Actions to address lead in Washington
Related links
Contact information
Chemical Action Plans Team
ChemActionPlans@ecy.wa.gov