Lead

Lead is a dull gray, odorless, tasteless heavy metal. The presence of lead in the atmosphere is primarily accounted for by man-made processes such as the extraction and processing of metallic ores, the incineration of solid waste and fuel combustion. The most important sources of lead in humans and other animals come from ingestion of foods and beverages, inhalation of airborne lead and the eating of non-food substances such as lead-containing paint chips.

All of Connecticut has been in attainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for lead since well before the Clean Air Act was amended in 1990.

2008 Revised Lead NAAQS

Air Quality Trends - Lead

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

General Information

EPA Lead Resources

Content Last Updated November 9, 2009