I think the biggest issues is probably lead piping. Lead in paint only becomes a problem when it starts chipping and chalking. It should still be removed eventually however.
Lead piping, galvanized steel piping with lead service lines, lead paint, your actual back yard if you live in an area that was densely populated during the leaded gasoline era, the kitschy old toys at grandma and grandpas house... the biggest issue can be just about anything, depending on your specific living environment.
Lead plumbing should absolutely be removed where its found. Lead paint... Is a different story. As long as its not chipping or easily accessible it's not really that much of a problem.
But presumably if somebody starts sands it down, people can get exposed to very high levels.
The boy's story in the article involves lead paint.
I'm doubtful that painters here in the UK take great care over it. And from what I've read, it may be the costs fall heavily on kids and not so much adults.