For your reference, the Painting and Decorating Contractors Association has provided this information on lead base paint.

Lead in Your Home: A Parent's Reference Guide (pdf) 

To heighten awareness about lead poisoning prevention, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed Lead in Your Home: A Parents Reference Guide. The Agency believes this is an essential resource for anyone from owners to tenants concerned about the dangers of lead in their home and environment.

Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home in English | Spanish 
If not conducted properly, certain types of renovations can release lead from paint and dust into the air. Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. Federal law requires that contractors provide lead information to residents before renovating a pre-1978 housing: Pre-Renovation Education Program (PRE) RENOVATORS have to give you a pamphlet titled “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home,” before starting work.

Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home in English | Spanish 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is concerned about homeowners and building professionals who may be exposed to lead as a result of remodeling or renovation projects. The purpose of this pamphlet is to help reduce lead exposure then conducting home renovation and remodeling activities. This pamphlet will be updated as new information about lead hazard reduction becomes available. 26 page PDF - English Version

The National Lead Information Center 
Call 1-800-424-LEAD (424-5323) to learn how to protect children from lead poisoning and for other information on lead hazards. To access lead information via the web, visit www.epa.gov/lead and www.hud.gov/offices/lead/.

The PDCA has developed this article to assist you in making an informed decision when you next contemplate a painting or decorating project.