The Most Common Sources of Lead Exposure In New York

Posted in Premises Liability on February 25, 2026

Lead is an exceptionally durable and malleable metal, making it a common and affordable building material for centuries. Unfortunately, lead is also toxic, with adverse effects on nearly all bodily systems after long-term exposure. New York was one of the fastest-growing urban areas during the decades when lead use in many aspects of building construction was the norm. As a result, New York residents continue to face elevated lead exposure. It often takes an experienced lead-exposure attorney in New York to demand accountability and compensation for those who’ve suffered lead-related illnesses and impairment.

Contact a NYC premises liability lawyer today for a free consultation — call (212) 564-2800.

How Are New York Residents Still Exposed to Lead?

Despite decades of increased awareness, new regulations, and lead mitigation measures, New York remains the state with the highest number of known lead-exposure illnesses, adversely affecting 28,820 children with identified high lead levels, nearly six times the level found in children in Flint, Michigan, during the height of that city’s water disaster.

The most common causes of lead exposure in New York include the following:

Lead paint dust and paint chips, particularly from window sills and places where newer paint has worn away and exposed older, lead-based paint
Children’s toys that become contaminated with lead dust from the friction of windows and doors
Contaminated water from service lines and lead pipes in buildings constructed before the 1970s
Contaminated soil
Imported toys
Lead dust brought into homes by a parent’s work clothes
Home renovation and construction projects
Pottery products
Some ayurvedic products and folk medicines
Exposure to lead solder and stained glass windows
Outdoor air that’s contaminated with lead in dust particles from soil, industrial sources, and road dust, which may contain remnants of leaded fuel

Children face the highest risk of illnesses and adverse impacts, but adults who suffer from lead exposure also face negative health outcomes.

What Negative Health Impacts Result From Lead Exposure?

Lead is a cumulative toxin, meaning the impacts increase with long-term exposure. As lead accumulates in the body, it replaces essential minerals vital to human health, including iron and calcium. The body falsely identifies lead as calcium and iron, using it in place of the beneficial minerals, with serious adverse affects including the following:

Problems in adults, such as anemia, fatigue, headaches, reproductive problems, miscarriages, kidney problems, difficulties with memory and concentration, and cardiovascular problems
Permanent effects on children, which may include developmental delays, hyperactivity, irritability, kidney problems, cognitive problems, lowered IQ, behavioral problems, gastrointestinal disorders, and hearing loss

Very high levels of lead exposure in New York or elsewhere can result in seizures, coma, and death — contact a wrongful death lawyer in NYC today.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Lead Exposure Illnesses In New York?

Lead use was prohibited in paint, water pipes, and construction in 1978. New York law requires property owners to repair safety hazards on their properties, such as lead-based paint and lead water pipes. In addition, repairs must be made by specially trained workers who take necessary precautions to prevent lead particles and dust from escaping and causing further contamination. When a child or adult suffers lead-related illness or permanent harm from long-term lead exposure in New York, they have the right to pursue compensation from liable parties such as the property owner, a construction company, a renovation contractor, or the manufacturer of products containing unsafe lead levels. City water authorities and municipalities may also be held legally liable for failing to update infrastructure or to adequately monitor lead mitigation measures.

A successful claim cannot erase the harm caused, but it provides financial compensation and a sense of justice to lead exposure victims in New York.