[dwater]

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.

[throwaway0a5e]

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).

[elsonrodriguez]

Just a note, is is almost impossible to buy lead-free brass in the US. Most brass labeled "lead-free" is actually low lead.

Naval Brass is the closest I've seen, and it's not exactly at the corner store.