Purchasing Old Painted Wood and Metal, Lead in the Home

I was reading an article from a well intended amateur interior designer this morning on painted and chipped metal tiles. When I read paint, old and chipped...alarm bells went off. In 1978 lead based paint was banned. Up until then a home's paint likely had lead. In Pittsburgh there has been a lot of attention to this matter as most large apartment buildings were built in the 1950's. Local newspapers have written about sickened children from the lead.
Lead paint when not chipped should be left undisturbed. Seek professional help if there is deterioration. Like asbestos, lead gets in your home's air once disturbed. They call it lead dust. The EPA also cautions parents about hand rails and window sils due to children chewing on them.This is one of many issues. I have linked the information from the EPA. It goes over plumbing and more too. https://www.epa.gov/lead 

In summary, do not buy old chipped painted items. I know prim and shabby are in but, protect your health and buy a reproduction. Collectors think about your garage, game rooms etc filled with products. Are you endangering your health? In adults it has found to cause kidney problems, high blood pressure and who knows what else! My Grandfather smoked in his teens. He heavily worked with wood furniture, stains and antiques. He died partially from emphysema. it was a head scratcher at the time until we started thinking about possible exposures when stripping, cleaning and fixing antiques. 
I would also like to point out the serious issues with imported items over the last ten years. Lead in children's jewelry and more has made headlines. Think about where painted products are coming from and if you feel comfortable bringing these products in your air space and your children and grandchildren's air space. A home is closed up a lot. Your home is like walking into a snow globe. It could be snowing lead dust and you are trapped.