When did the use of lead-based paint begin to decline in favor of other types?

The decline in the use of lead-based paint began significantly in the 1950s, primarily due to increasing awareness of the health risks associated with lead exposure, especially in children. This decade saw the beginning of regulatory efforts aimed at limiting lead usage in various products, including paint, as studies emerged linking lead to serious health issues such as cognitive impairment and developmental delays in children.

Public health campaigns and legislative measures began to raise awareness about the dangers of lead, leading manufacturers to start formulating paints that did not contain lead. While the full ban on lead-based paint in residential structures did not occur until later, notably with regulations established in the late 1970s and 1980s, it was during the 1950s that the significant movement towards reducing lead content started.

The other decades mentioned in the options saw increased regulations and public health initiatives, but the roots of declining use began firmly in the 1950s. Understanding this timeline is crucial for lead risk assessors as they evaluate properties and consider the potential risks associated with older paint applications.