In which year was lead paint in housing banned in the United States?

Lead paint in housing was officially banned in the United States in 1978 due to the significant health risks associated with lead exposure, particularly for children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission implemented this ban as lead was known to cause severe neurological damage, developmental delays, and a range of other health issues.

Prior to the ban, lead was commonly used in paint for its durability and color, but increasing awareness of its dangers led to regulatory changes. By 1978, the growing body of evidence linking lead poisoning to unsafe lead levels in homes prompted a decisive move to protect public health. This decision was a critical step in reducing lead-related health risks in children, who are especially vulnerable to lead exposure from deteriorating paint and dust in older homes.

The years listed in the other choices do not reflect the widespread recognition of the dangers of lead paint or the subsequent actions taken to ban its use in residential properties. Thus, 1978 marks a pivotal moment in public health policy concerning lead exposure in housing.