In what year was the use of lead in residential paint phased out?

The correct response is that the use of lead in residential paint was phased out in 1977. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the use of lead-based paints in residential properties for children’s products due to the significant health risks associated with lead exposure, particularly in children. This regulatory move was part of a broader effort to mitigate lead poisoning and its devastating effects on health and development.

The implications of this ban were profound as it prompted the construction and renovation industries to find safer alternatives and changed practices regarding paint formulations in homes. It is essential to understand that while the phase-out occurred in 1977, lead paint could still be present in buildings constructed prior to this ban, thus posing risks that environmental health professionals and risk assessors must manage effectively. The specific year is crucial in understanding regulations surrounding lead exposure and public health initiatives from that era.