Since the impacts of lead paint on health became clear there have been attempts made to hold lead paint manufacturers responsible for the damage done by their product to many children across the country. This has resulted in serious litigation being mounted against several companies, with several cases recently ruling in favor of victims and awarding damages. Although lead paint has been banned for residential use since 1978, a substantial number of older houses still contain lead paint. In 1996 regulations were enacted which meant that owners of such houses must disclose the presence of lead paint to tenants or prospective buyers. Recent litigation has also been mounted against homeowners who have not disclosed this information, or have made false disclosures, which have resulted in exposure and ill health of tenants.