Although lead paint is not used today before 1970 lead paint was used considerably on homes such as walls, doorways, baseboards and outdoors. This is the reason for the affect that it had on children because of the paint that was used for homes and some toys as well. Lead paint is very dangerous and should be checked out as soon as possible. Other ways you may tell is the flaking paint on the item in question whether it be outdoors, indoors or on toys. Areas that have had paint over time will be crack, peel and flake away.