Lead Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines
Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal that can harm a child’s health—even at low levels. Exposure can affect brain development, learning, and behavior. Because of its past use in paint, pipes, gasoline, and consumer products, lead may still be present in some homes and environments today.
To protect families, federal, state, and local agencies have developed laws, regulations, and guidelines that reduce lead exposure in homes, drinking water, food, consumer products, and the environment.
These guidelines are designed to lower the risk of exposure and keep children across the United States (U.S.) safe and healthy.
Why It Matters:
Federal agencies like EPA, HUD, CDC, FDA, and CPSC create science-based protections that reduce the amount of lead in our homes, water, air, and products. These measures are most effective when families are aware of their rights and take action promptly.
Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (1971)
Established inspections and lead-safe standards in federally funded housing.
42 U.S.C. § 4821
Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (1992)
Requires landlords and sellers to disclose known lead hazards in homes built before 1978.
42 U.S.C. § 4851–4856
Lead Safe Housing Rule (1999)
Applies to most federally owned or assisted housing built before 1978. Requires lead hazard evaluation, control, and notification.
24 CFR Part 35
Lead Hazard Standards for Paint, Dust, and Soil (1999–2001)
Sets enforceable limits for lead in dust, soil, and paint in homes and child-occupied facilities, per 40.
EPA Hazard Standards
Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) Lead Paint Rules
Local regulations require safe renovation practices and disclosure of hazards in homes built before 1978.
SNHD Lead Paint Regulations
Clean Water Act (1972)
A federal law that regulates the discharge of pollutants, including lead, into rivers, lakes, and other surface waters of the United States.
33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.
Safe Drinking Water Act 1974 Establishes national standards for lead in public drinking water systems and plumbing materials.
42 U.S.C. §§ 300f–300j-27
Lead-Free Plumbing Law (1986)
Bans the use of lead pipes, solder, and fixtures in public water systems and plumbing that supplies drinking water.
42 U.S.C. § 300g-6
NSF/ANSI Standard 61 (1988) A national health-based standard for plumbing products that contact drinking water. Sets limits for lead and other contaminants that may leach from pipes, fittings, and fixtures. Incorporated by reference in federal manufactured housing standards.
24 C.F.R. § 3280.604(b)
EPA Lead and Copper Rule (1991)
Requires public water systems to monitor for lead and copper in drinking water and take action when levels exceed health-based standards.
EPA Lead and Copper Rule Overview
Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (2024)
Requires community water systems to replace all lead service lines within 10 years.
40 CFR §§ 141.80–141.91
Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule (2010)
Contractors working on pre-1978 homes, schools, or childcare centers must be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices.
40 C.F.R. Part 745
SNHD Renovation Requirements
SNHD adopts and enforces EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.
SNHD Lead Paint Hazard Regulations
Lead Contamination Control Act (1988)
Authorized the CDC to fund local lead poisoning prevention programs like NvCLPPP.
CDC LCCA Summary
Ban on Leaded Gasoline (1996)
Banned leaded fuel in vehicles, reducing airborne lead levels.
Phaseout of Leaded Gasoline
Medicaid Blood Lead Testing Requirement
Requires all Medicaid-enrolled children to be tested at 12 and 24 months. Children aged 24–72 months with no prior test must also receive a blood lead test. Reinforced by federal CMS guidance on lead screening.
42 U.S. Code § 1396d(r)(5)
CMS guidance on Lead Screening
NRS 442.700 – Blood Lead Testing and Reporting
All blood lead test results for children under age 18 must be reported to the local health authority, regardless of the test type or result. Reports must include the child’s name, date of birth, sex, race, ethnicity, address, test date, sample type, and the provider’s contact information.
NRS 442.700
NRS 441A – Reportable Diseases and Conditions
Lead poisoning is classified as a reportable condition in Nevada.
NRS 441A
CPSC Regulation of Lead in Toys (1973)
Early federal limit on lead in paint and surface coatings used on children’s toys; later strengthened by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
CPSC Toy Safety Summary
Ban on Lead Solder in Food Cans (1995)
Prohibits the use of lead solder in food cans, including imports.
21 CFR §189.240
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (2008)
Limits lead content in children’s products to 100 ppm, and in coatings to 90 ppm.
15 U.S.C. § 1278a
FDA Guidance on Lead in Baby and Toddler Foods (2025)
Provides industry guidance under the Closer to Zero action plan for lead levels in foods for infants and toddlers. Sets limits of 10 ppb for most processed fruits, vegetables, and mixed meals, and 20 ppb for root vegetables and dry cereals.
FDA Closer to Zero Action Plan
SNHD Consumer Product Regulations
Regulates the sale and recall of items that may contain lead, including cookware, cosmetics, toys, and imported goods likely to be used by children.
SNHD Lead in Consumer Products Regulations