Approximately how many pre-1978 private U.S. residences contain at least some lead-based paint?

Approximately how many pre-1978 private U.S. residences contain at least some lead-based paint?

• A. One million
• B. Ten million
• C. One hundred million
• D. Sixty-four million

Answer: (D)

Lead-based paint was widely used on private homes built before 1978, so a large share of that older housing stock contains some lead-based paint. The estimate of residences with at least a trace of lead paint lands around 64 million, reflecting government studies that combine the size of the pre-1978 private housing stock with the historical extent of lead paint use. This magnitude signals that inspectors should treat many older homes as potentially having lead-based paint and take appropriate precautions during inspections or renovations, even if the visible paint appears in good condition. One million or ten million would understate how common lead-based paint is in pre-1978 homes, while about one hundred million would exceed the total number of private housing units built before 1978.

Lead-based paint was widely used on private homes built before 1978, so a large share of that older housing stock contains some lead-based paint. The estimate of residences with at least a trace of lead paint lands around 64 million, reflecting government studies that combine the size of the pre-1978 private housing stock with the historical extent of lead paint use. This magnitude signals that inspectors should treat many older homes as potentially having lead-based paint and take appropriate precautions during inspections or renovations, even if the visible paint appears in good condition.

One million or ten million would understate how common lead-based paint is in pre-1978 homes, while about one hundred million would exceed the total number of private housing units built before 1978.