What year did they take the lead out pencils?

The United States began phasing out lead in pencils in the late 19th century, with significant changes occurring in the 1970s. The term "lead" in pencils actually refers to a mixture of graphite and clay, not actual lead. However, concerns about lead poisoning led to the regulation of lead in various products, including pencils, leading to the widespread use of safer materials. By the 1970s, most pencils were already free from harmful lead content.