In article qAJoe.3322$nk4.2373@trndny01, says...
I've read it was banned in 1978, that levels were higher
prior to 1950, but I can't find any info that discusses
when it was first used. Many of the houses around here
date back to the 1700s and have original windows and
trim. Was lead paint in use in the 1700s? 1800s?

According to my encyclopedia, the ancient Romans are believed to be the
first to use white lead as pigment in paint, in the 400s B.C.