What does the term "lead-based paint" refer to?

The term "lead-based paint" specifically refers to paint that contains more than 1% lead by weight. This definition is critical because it establishes a threshold for identifying hazardous materials in residential and other environments where lead exposure can pose significant health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women. The presence of lead in paint is a major concern due to its potential to cause serious health issues, including developmental delays and other cognitive impairments.

Identifying paint as lead-based requires reference to this weight percentage, which helps inspectors and public health officials determine the appropriate measures needed for remediation or containment. It is important to recognize that not all older paints contain lead; thus, the percentage acts as a defining criterion rather than applying a blanket assumption to all paint used before a certain year or in specific locations.