Lead inside paint and other surface coatings can be harmful when disturbed, impacted by renovation/repair or when deteriorating (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, or damaged paint). Adults and children can get lead into their bodies by breathing in lead dust (especially during activities such as renovations, repairs, or painting that disturb painted surfaces). Lead is a heavy particulate that does not stay airborne for very long. As a result, it will settle on various objects and surfaces within the home. Occupants, especially children, can come in contact with the settled lead dust causing it to transfer to clothing, hands, feet, toys, etc. This can then be transferred to the mouth and ingested into the body.

Homes built prior to 1978 still containing the original paint and surface coatings. Often times walls are painted over multiple times, however, the trim around windows, baseboards, and doors sometimes have fewer layers of paint covering the original surface coating and are more easily disturbed.

Lead is very hazardous to children. It damages the brain and central nervous system; it can cause decreased intelligence, reading, learning difficulties, and behavior problems. The damage can irreversible and effect children throughout there lives. Lead is also hazardous to pregnant women causing damage to the fetus. Lead can also be hazardous to adults by causing high blood pressure, loss of sex drive and/or capability, and physical fatigue.