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I thought lead-based paint had been phased out. How many homes still contain lead-based paint?

Answer: The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) American Healthy Homes Survey II estimated that 34.6 million homes (29.4% of all housing units) in the United States contain lead-based paint that was applied before the residential use of lead-based paint was banned in 1978. "Housing units" include single-family homes, manufactured housing, and multi-unit dwellings like apartments. Vacant housing, group quarters (e.g., prisons, hospitals, and dormitories), hotels, motels, and other short-term housing, military bases, and housing where children are not permitted to live (e.g., housing designated exclusively for the elderly and those with zero-bedroom units) are not included in this number. More information on these statistics is available from HUD.

Question Number: 23002-18139

Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead.

Other Frequent Questions about Lead

General Information about Lead
Testing for Lead
Renovation, Repair and Painting
Abatement, Risk Assessment and Inspection

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Lead-Based Paint Program Fees
EPA/HUD Real Estate Notification & Disclosure Rule

Lead in Products
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Last updated on January 21, 2026
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