What causes lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning is usually caused by months or years of exposure to small amounts of lead in the home, work, or day care environment. It can also happen very quickly with exposure to high concentrations. The most common source of lead exposure for children is lead-based paint and dust and soil that are contaminated by it, especially in older homes and buildings. Some estimates say that as many as three-quarters of dwellings built before 1980 have indoor surfaces painted with lead-containing paint.
