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FACT:  Lead is toxic.  Most homes built before 1978 have old layers
            of lead-based paint. It can become a hazard when it peels or is
            disturbed during painting or renovations. Toxic lead dust gets
            mixed in with household dust, or contaminates the soil around
            your home.

FACT:  Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it
             was banned for residential use in 1978.  Lead-based paint
             inventory was still sold after 1978.

FACT:  Lead in dust is the most common way people are exposed to
            lead- most often from painting projects or renovation projects
            that disturb lead painted surfaces. People can also get lead in
            their bodies from lead in soil or paint chips. Lead dust is often
            invisible.

FACT:  People may also breathe in lead dust or fumes if they disturb lead-
             based paint. People who sand, scrape, burn, brush, blast or
             otherwise disturb lead-based paint risk unsafe exposure to lead.

FACT:  Projects that disturb painted surfaces can create dust and
             endanger you and your family. Lead is especially dangerous to
            children under six years of age, especially toddlers.

FACT:  Lead exposure can harm young children                                      
            and babies even before they are born. Lead                                
            can affect children’s brains and developing                          
            nervous systems, causing reduced IQ,                                       
            learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.                          
            Lead is also harmful to adults.

FACT: The soil around an older home may be contaminated with lead
            paint chips and lead dust from old paint, and soil near streets
            often has a higher lead content due to the lingering effects of
            leaded gasoline.

FACT:  For many Americans, the #1 way they are exposed to lead
            is during renovations or painting projects at their home.  

FACT:  Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead   
             in their bodies.

FACT:  You can get lead in your body by breathing or swallowing lead
             dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead.

FACT:  Having a construction project or a painting project performed
             inside or outside your pre-1978 home can expose all family
             members to dangerous levels of lead.

FACT:  Exposure to lead is irreversible.

FACT:  Removing lead-based paint  from your home improperly can
             increase the danger to your family.

FACT:  Lead is also harmful to adults. In adults, low levels of lead can
             pose many dangers, including high blood pressure.

FACT:  Pregnant women exposed to lead can transfer lead to their
            fetuses. Lead gets into the body when it is swallowed or inhaled.
            People, especially children, can swallow lead dust as they eat,
            play, and do other normal hand-to-mouth activities.  People may
            also breathe in lead dust or fumes if they disturb lead-based paint.
            People who sand, scrape, burn, brush, blast or otherwise disturb l
            lead-based paint risk unsafe exposure to lead.

  Health effects of Lead

    Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health         
      problem in the United States.

1. •People can get lead in their body if they:
   

1. •Put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths.
   

2. •Eat paint chips or soil that contains lead.
   

3. •Breathe in lead dust, especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces.
   

2. •Lead is more dangerous to children because:
   

1. •Babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on them.
   

2. •Children's growing bodies absorb more lead.
   

3. •Children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.
   

3. •If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from:
   

1. •Damage to the brain and nervous system
   

2. •Behavior and learning problems, such as hyperactivity
   

3. •Slowed growth
   

4. •Hearing problems
   

5. •Headaches
   

4. •Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from:
   

1. •Reproductive problems (in both men and women)
   

2. •High blood pressure and hypertension
   

3. •Nerve disorders
   

4. •Memory and concentration problems
   

5. •Muscle and joint pain
   

5. 
   

    What you should know when hiring a Contractor
     Are you going to renovate, repair or paint a home, child care
     facility or school built before 1978?

1. Beginning April 22, 2010, federal law requires that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb more than six square feet of paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and trained to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
   

2. Protect your family and make sure you only hire a contractor who is in a Lead-Safe Certified Firm.
   

3. 
   

Source: http://epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm#facts