Was lead paint used only in houses and buildings, or on old figurines, furniture, etc. as well?

Question

Straight forward question. If something was made in or before the 1970s, is this essentially a solid guarantee that the paint on it invariably contains lead?

I have a bunch of old figurines molded into soldiers, and painted accordingly. They're all very, very old. Are these safe to touch?

In addition - my mother has an array of antique items in the house, and some in the kitchen. Small little trinkets, miniature sign things with jokes on them, etc. On most of them the paint has begun to chip, peel, and rust. Could lead be a constituent of the paint on these?

Answer 1

lead is not to be taken on the light shoulder.

lead was a cheap source for white paint, so if the paint on your figurines have white or very bright paint on them you should assume it is lead and coat them with clear paint in order to create a protective layer. to concern the items of your mother: most old signs were covered in vitreous enamel, you should check that. if yes, it should be safe. if no, you should do something anyway, because there is more dangerous stuff in old paint than lead, avoid close contact and try to get your mum to coat them as well. ask in hobby supply stores for appropriate paint

Answer 2

Yes, all things painted could have, and many probably do have lead.  In fact, new toys from China often have lead paint.

If your old figurines are metal, that metal probably contains lead.

However,  I would not worry about touching these items.  The trace amounts of lead that might transfer to the skin would easily be washed off with water.  And trace amounts that transfer to other items and then find their way to your mouth would be so trace that you really need not worry about it.  The stress you incur while worrying about that will end up being more detrimental to your health than the miniscule amount of lead that makes it from your figurine, to your hand, to what ever else, and then to your mouth.  But I wouldn't suck on them...

Answer 3

Lead paint is safe to touch, just not to chew on.

there are lead paint testing kits, get one.

.