To add additional dimensions to this, because the risk of lead per se is so salient, there's been a shift to using other metals such as cadmium as a substitute. Can't use lead because it's got so much baggage! Use cadmium instead!
There's a different set of issues involved with different substances — many problems associated with lead are due to its historical use — but lead is not the only heavy metal causing problems with health.
Not meaning to undermine what you're saying — on the contrary, I think it's more widespread than people realize.
Lead is still popular in alloying metals because it's ductile, easy to work, and easy to machine. I would assume if I was buying a brass product made in China it would have lead in it. I try to buy copper and brass plumbing products made in the US, South Korea, or other countries with strong regulation and legal systems.
Leaded brass fittings are still permitted for non-potable applications. You won't find them at Home Depot and other places that have giant consumer lawsuit targets on their back but if you're buying fittings not commonly used for potable water from sources that mostly do B2B sales you'll still encounter them and (IMO it's basically a non-issue in that context).
There's a different set of issues involved with different substances — many problems associated with lead are due to its historical use — but lead is not the only heavy metal causing problems with health.
Not meaning to undermine what you're saying — on the contrary, I think it's more widespread than people realize.