I bought an antique bronze figure from China through Ebay.  There may
be other metals in the figure, including lead.  Would the lead be
dangerous to have in our house?  We have a baby, and even though he
would never be allowed to touch it, it would still be in the
environment.

Dear rockywinston-ga,

There are a number factors to be considered and it is difficult to
give a definitive answer. These include: what is the quantity of lead
in the statue? Will anyone handle it and then immediately lick their
fingers?  Is it likely to be damage in such a way that lead dust comes
off it and is inhaled? If so, then it may be a health hazard. However,
as pointed out below, many objects which one comes into contact with
contain lead, and providing they are not ingested, they are safe.
Nevertheless, it must be recognised that consumer safety regulations
in the US and Western Europe are not the same as in China.

The US Environment Protection Agency has a useful web site on lead and
lead poisoning:
The National Lead Information Center.
The site mainly concentrates on deteriorating lead-based paint, lead
contaminated dust, and lead contaminated residential soil, but has
useful information on lead and its dangers. I recommend that you
explore it in full. It contains information such as the Health Effects
of Lead and Where lead is likely to be a hazard.
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/lead/index.html

If you are based in the US, you can contact them to seek advice on
this specific statue.
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/lead/pubs/nlic.htm


I hope this answers your question. If it does not, or the answer is
unclear, then please ask for clarification of this research before
rating the answer. I shall respond to the clarification request as
soon as I receive it.
Thank you
answerfinder

You have a computer

The chips that are soldered in, are soldered in with lead.
- same with your TV, VCR, DVD, Mobile, washing machine, dishwasher,
central heating unit.

Your plumbing, if copper pipe, will have lead solder joints (unless it
was installed by an amateur).

If you have a firearm, then the bullets will be lead.

Eating lead is not a good idea, but apart from that it is pretty harmless.

A simple way to neutralize any potential problems that might arise,
simply have the figurine lacquered a couple of times. If you use a
natural varnish as supposed to oil based you can always get rid of it
later on.