Lead is a natural mineral used in a multitude of industrial applications. One of the most common uses of lead was as an ingredient in paints for well over three hundred years.

Lead-based paint was considered to be of high-quality especially for use on the exteriors or high moisture areas of homes and buildings and on industrial structures. Although adults can experience significant health problems from exposure to deteriorating or disturbed lead-based paint, it has been shown to be an even more serious threat to children. Exposure to even small amounts of toxic lead dust can cause permanent neurological problems for children including behavioral disorders and loss of intelligence. Because of this risk, the US EPA, HUD and OSHA require that professionals who identify, plan and carry out lead-based paint abatement or deleading operations be properly trained and certified.