An official website of the United States government.

This is not the current EPA website. To navigate to the current EPA website, please go to www.epa.gov. This website is historical material reflecting the EPA website as it existed on January 19, 2021. This website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work. More information »

Lead

What is the potential danger posed by historical lead smelting sites?

Answer: The potential danger posed by historical lead smelting sites varies by site and depends upon whether a completed exposure pathway to the contaminant exists. For example, if site surfaces are redeveloped and, as a result, covered, there is no direct contact. Therefore, without such exposure, there is no current human health risk. If direct contact is occurring, the potential depends upon a number of factors such as the frequency of exposure and who is exposed, e.g., child, pregnant woman, etc. For more information on lead at super fund sites visit https://19january2021snapshot.epa.gov/superfund/lead-superfund-sites.

Question Number: 23002-33313

Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead.