Lead Exposures in Consumer Products, Home Environments and Hobbies
Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal found in soil, water and certain raw materials. It can enter everyday products, hobby materials and household items when materials are contaminated or when lead is used during manufacturing — often without any clear warning signs.
Our team at the
Community Health Education Unit works to help Californians recognize and avoid hidden sources of lead in the products they use, the activities they practice and the places they live.
Consumer Products and Food
Imported spices, pottery, cosmetics, jewelry, toys, metal cookware, candy ingredients, traditional remedies and certain ceramics can introduce lead when they are used, cooked with or eaten.
Home Environments
Chipping and peeling lead based paint, contaminated soil around older buildings and plumbing materials that leach lead into drinking water are common sources of exposure in and around where people live.
Hobbies and Activities
Target shooting, jewelry making, ceramics, stained-glass work and home remodeling can generate lead dust or involve materials that contain lead.
Traditional and Herbal Health Products
How lead ends up in these places and products:
- Contaminated raw materials (such as spices, foods, clays or metal materials).
- Manufacturing processes that use lead‑based components, solder, pigments or glazing.
- Imported goods produced under different or inconsistent safety standards.
- Soil contamination that can introduce lead during growing or production.
Contact Us
For more information on adult lead poisoning, contact
HHC@cdph.ca.gov or (510) 981-4354.