Lead paint can be found in houses built before 1978. Most lead paint is found in homes built before 1950. Renovation, repair and painting projects in these older homes can create a lot of lead dust. Lead dust collects on floors and other surfaces where children put their hands and play with toys. Children, especially those under 3, often put their hands and toys in their mouths. This makes it very easy to swallow lead dust and damage their growing bodies and minds. Learn more on how to prevent lead poisoning of children and adults below.