Lead

Lead is a toxic metal that is harmful if inhaled or swallowed and can pose serious health risks. This is particularly important for young children, as well as pregnant women. Although most children in the U.S. have low levels of lead in their blood, some situations can increase their exposure and their blood lead levels.

In 2025, the Trump EPA reestablished a committee of senior leaders across the agency’s program offices and ten regions to drive success in reducing children’s exposure to lead. This renewed agency-wide focus is centered around strengthening cooperative federalism, streamlining actionable risk communications, and unleashing private sector innovation to protect human health and the environment.

Learn how EPA is taking action to protect your family and communities across the nation from lead.

• Learn About Lead

  

  Lead can be found in all parts of our natural and built environment – in air, soil, water, food, and within older buildings. Learn information about lead, potential sources of exposure and how to reduce risk.

  Learn the basics

• Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) Program

  

  Under the RRP Rule, firms that perform RRP projects that disturb lead-based paint in housing or child-occupied facilities built before 1978 must be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices.

  Learn about RRP

• Lead-Based Paint Activities Program

  

  Lead-based paint activities identify and address lead-based paint hazards in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978, and include inspections, risk assessments and abatement projects.

  Learn about lead-based paint activities

• Lead in Drinking Water

  

  Lead can enter drinking water when lead pipes and plumbing materials containing lead corrode. EPA is taking action to address lead in drinking water and protect communities across the nation.

  Learn about lead in drinking water

• Lead in Soil

  

  Lead-based paint from buildings, previous use of leaded gasoline in cars, industrial sources and former lead smelters can contaminate soil. Learn where lead in soil comes from, how to protect yourself and what EPA is doing.

  Learn about lead in soil

• Lead in Air

  

  Sources of lead emissions vary from place to place, with highest air concentrations of lead usually found near metals industries. Learn what EPA is doing to protect the air you breathe.

  Learn about lead in air