After discovering adverse health effects caused by lead poisoning, the federal government has implemented several regulations and policies to reduce the amount of lead in the environment and eliminate it from products.

Clean Air Act Ammendments (CAAA): In December of 1995, the Clean Air Act banned use of leaded gasoline in the United States.

Safe Drinking Water Act: In 1986, Section 118 of the Safe Drinking Water Act banned use of any lead in residential and nonresidential plumbing systems, including pipes, fixtures, and solder.

Lead Contamination Control Act: In 1988, the Lead Contamination Control Act recalled lead-lined drinking water coolers and water fountains in schools.

Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X): In 1992, the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act developed a comprehensive federal strategy for reducing lead paint hazard exposure.

Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act: The Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act requires government agencies to take steps to prevent application of lead-based paint on any cooking utensil, drinking utensil, eating utensil, toy, furniture, or residential structure.

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA): In 1992, Title IV - Lead Exposure Reduction was added to the Toxic Substance Control Act. The Title reduces environmental lead contamination and prevents adverse health effects as a result of lead exposure. The Title's provisions include identifying lead-based paint hazards, defining levels of lead allowed in various products, and establishing state programs for monitoring and abatement of lead exposure.

Clean Water Act (CWA): The Clean Water Act eliminates and prohibits discharge of lead and other pollutants into surface waters.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act established lead-acid batteries recycling projects. Also under RCRA, lead-contaminated wastes are regulated as hazardous if they fail a test know as the TCLP (Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure). Under RCRA, there are also rules that apply to specific lead-baring wastes.

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA): The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to Know Act informs citizens of toxic chemical releases by certain facilities, including secondary lead facilities.

The Federal Hazardous Substance Act: The Federal Hazardous Substance Act bans children's products that contain hazardous amounts of lead.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA): The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act gives the federal government authority to regulate hazardous substances, to respond to hazardous substance emergencies, and to develop long-term solutions for hazardous waste problems, including lead.

Lead and Copper Rule: In 1991, the Lead and Copper Rule established regulations and treatment methods for lead and copper in plumbing systems.

The European Union has passed a few important directives restricting use of lead in electronics and ensuring recycling of used electronic equipment containing lead.

Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 2003 on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances, including lead, in electrical and electronic equipment.

Directive 2002/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 2003 on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

Directive 2003/108/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 December 2003 amending Directive 2002/96/EC on WEEE.