Lead

Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. In addition to its effects on health, lead is an environmental hazard because it can contaminate our drinking water. Since the 1980s, the U.S. EPA phased out lead in gasoline, reduced lead in drinking water and industrial air pollution, and banned or limited lead used in consumer products. Lead is a hazardous product and must be taken into account when recycling and disposing of household products.