Lead is a naturally occurring bluish-grey material found in small amounts on the earth’s outer layer.  Lead also comes from industrial activities including burning fossil fuels, mining and manufacturing.  Lead can be hazardous to human health.  Humans are exposed to lead in both indoor and outdoor environments. It is found in air, soil, dust, drinking water, food and various consumer products including paint, water pipes, plumbing solder, gasoline, ceramics and pottery, and crystal glassware.  Exposure to lead has decreased in recent decades as sources have been eliminated, such as by eliminating leaded gasoline, lead pipes and lead solder.

Lead is present in the drinking water in most North American cities due to the use of lead pipe in older homes built before the mid-1950s and the use of lead-containing soldering joints until the late 1980s. 

The Peterborough County-City Health Unit recognizes that lead exposure should be reduced whenever possible, especially in young children and fetuses.

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Additional Resources

Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation – Lead in Older Homes

Health Canada – It’s Your Health – Effects of Lead on Human Health

Health Canada – Lead Information Package


U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Lead in Paint, Dust & Soil.