Lead in Household Products

Abstract

Humans have used lead for various purposes for thousands of years. Despite awareness of the dangers associated with lead, this element continues to appear in a wide range of household products and poses hazards through different exposure pathways. Sources of household lead exposure discussed in this chapter include: paint dust, drinking water, solder, candle wicks, wood finishes and brass fittings, ceramics, shot and bullets, food and spices, toys and jewelry, lead as a stabilizer in vinyl and polyvinyl chloride-based plastics and wiring, cosmetics, electronic equipment and electronic waste, contaminated soil, and lead batteries. Despite awareness of the dangers of lead exposure, lead in consumer products continues to be the reason for recalls, and the majority of those recalled products originate in China. Consumer education on this topic is ongoing, but should be expanded. Targeted audiences should include new parents, medical professionals, teachers, and others. Important messages should stress that any exposure to lead, especially by children, is harmful.