Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-040
Sale, transfer or distribution of items containing lead-bearing substances (Chicago Lead-Bearing Substances Ordinance)
Operative Text
No person shall have, offer for sale, transfer, distribute to the public, place in the stream of commerce, or manufacture any item that contains a lead-bearing substance. These items include but are not limited to: (a) any jewelry item, toy, or furniture, excluding antique items, that in the ordinary course of use is accessible to or chewable by children; (b) any fixture or other object intended to be used, installed or located in or upon any surface of a dwelling or residential building, child care facility or school and that, in the ordinary course of use, is accessible to or chewable by children; (c) any food or edible item or package or container for food or edible items which contains lead either in excess of a level set by the commissioner or in any concentration that exceeds a United States Food and Drug Administration guideline; and (d) any non-edible item that, in the ordinary course of use, is accessible to or chewable or ingestible by children. (Added Coun. J. 11-5-93, p. 40561; Amend Coun. J. 12-13-06, p. 94902, § 1)
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-040, no person or entity may sell, transfer, distribute, manufacture, or otherwise introduce into commerce any item that contains a lead-bearing substance. The prohibition covers a broad range of products—including jewelry, toys, furniture, fixtures intended for residential or child-care settings, food packaging, and other items that children could access, chew, or ingest in normal use. Antique items are carved out as an exception for certain categories, and food-related items are subject to thresholds set by the city commissioner or federal FDA guidelines.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers who supply, install, or distribute fixtures, furniture, or other objects in residential buildings, child care facilities, or schools should be aware that Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-040 prohibits placing lead-bearing items in those environments when children could access or chew them in ordinary use. Compliant operators generally source materials and fixtures from suppliers who can document that products meet applicable lead-content standards, and they maintain records of those certifications. Staying current with any concentration thresholds set by the city commissioner or the FDA is a standard part of responsible property management under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-040 establishes a broad prohibition on lead-bearing items in settings where children live, learn, or receive care, which means tenants in residential buildings have a basis to raise concerns if fixtures, furniture, or other objects accessible to children appear to contain lead. Tenants who believe a landlord or property manager has introduced prohibited lead-bearing items into their home may consider filing a complaint with the Chicago Department of Housing or another relevant city agency, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options. Documenting the items in question—through photographs and written communication with the landlord—is a general practice that can support any formal complaint process under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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