Lead paint is more harmful than previously thought the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported last month. And now this discovery is leading the government to increase funding for prevention programs.

The threat lead poisoning poses is double what the CDC considered harmful previously, according to the studies. Findings show that it only takes the presence of five micrograms, as opposed to the previously assumed 10, of lead per one deciliter of blood to cause serious harm. The CDC estimates this new figure could nearly double the number of children considered in danger of serious health complications from lead poisoning nationwide.

In response to the report, unanimous approval was given on June 20 to a proposal from the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services committee to increase the budget of the CDC's Lead Poisoning Prevention program for 2012 to $10 million.

In fiscal year 2012, the budget of the CDC's Lead Poisoning Protection program was reduced to $2 million, down from a previous budget of $29 million.

The original proposal called for an addition of $4 million to the program's budget, but an amendment to the proposal by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) doubled that figure. This version was met with full support{,} said the news source.

The use of lead paint has been banned since 1977. Homes built before that date may still have traces of lead present that would be hazardous to inhabitants. Owners of old and new homes should contact a home inspection contractor to determine what dangers, like lead paint, could be hiding in their home.