In what year was lead paint banned in the United States?

The correct answer is 1978 because that year marked the formal enactment of the ban on the use of lead-based paints in residential properties in the United States. This legislation was initiated due to growing public health concerns about the toxic effects of lead exposure, particularly in children, who were found to be at high risk of lead poisoning from lead dust and deteriorating lead paint in homes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 1977, made the ruling that banned lead in residential paint, which was upheld and officially implemented in 1978.

This pivotal move came after several decades of increasing recognition of the health hazards of lead, leading to stricter regulations and guidelines concerning its use. The implications of lead exposure were substantial, resulting in a decline in childhood lead poisoning cases following the ban. Understanding this historical context is crucial for public health professionals, particularly those focused on environmental health and safety.