Why is the CPSC concerned about lead paint on playground equipment?
Response: While deteriorating lead paint in homes poses the most significant lead risk to young children, testing by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and some state and local jurisdictions has shown that many school, park, and community playgrounds across the United States have metal or wood playground equipment that present an additional lead poisoning hazard primarily to children six years and under. Some equipment was painted with lead paint, and over time, the paint has deteriorated into chips and dust containing lead, due to exposure to sunlight, heat, moisture, and normal wear and tear. The lead paint chips and lead dust can be ingested by young children who put their hands on the equipment while playing and then put their hands in their mouths. Since adverse health effects from lead exposure are cumulative, the exposure to lead from playground equipment contributes to the overall lead risk. Question: What testing was conducted to support the CPSC’s conclusions
