Is pre-1978 housing still driving residential lead exposure?
Yes. According to a 2026 study in Sci Total Environ, the age of your home is a primary predictor of residential lead exposure and child blood lead levels.
What's actually in it
If your home was built before 1978, it likely contains lead-based paint. Over time, this paint can crack, peel, or turn into dust that settles in your living space. This isn't just a historical problem. It is a current source of lead exposure that directly impacts the health of those living inside.
Lead is a heavy metal that does not break down. Once it is in your home, it stays there until it is professionally removed. It can get into the air you breathe and the surfaces you touch every day.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Sci Total Environ found that the age of a house is a key factor in predicting residential lead exposure and child blood lead levels. This peer-reviewed research confirms that older housing remains a significant risk factor for families today.
The health risks are serious. Research published in Front Public Health in 2026 highlights the global burden of cardiovascular disease linked to lead exposure. Furthermore, a 2026 study in Early Hum Dev shows that lead exposure during pregnancy can affect the development of a baby's brain and nervous system.
The research at a glance
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