Lead SafetyHow to Prevent or Reduce

the Spread of Lead

Why is Lead Dangerous?

• Lead poisoning can cause behavior, hearing, and learning problems

• In adults, can cause high blood pressure, digestive, reproductive problems

• It takes only a tiny amount to cause lead poisoning.

Who is in Danger?

Children

• Have children age 1-6 tested for lead poisoning.

• Children’s bodies and brains are still developing.

• Young children put everything in their mouth.

• Children who seem healthy may still have increased lead levels.

Pregnant Women

• Lead exposure can harm unborn children.

• Can cause increased chance of illness during pregnancy.

Where is Lead?

• Houses built before 1978

• Paint chips from peeling paint probably contain lead

• Lead is most easily spread as LEAD DUST

Lead Pipes

• Lead pipes are dull grey and scratch easily with a key.

• CLEAR THE PIPES:– If you have lead pipes,

allow the water to run for a few minutes before drinking or using for cooking or baby formula.

Lead Dust

• Dust can be created by painted surfaces rubbing together.

• Renovation projects easily create A LOT of dust.

Lead Tests

• Inexpensive kits enable you to test for lead.

• Can be found at any hardware store.

• Assume the presence of lead if the home was built before 1978.

When Should I Take Lead Safety Precautions?

• Disturbing an area:– More than 2 square feet indoors– More than 20 square feet outdoors

If Lead must be disturbed…

• Protect yourself and others:– Protective wear – Disposable shoe covers, dust masks, protective eyewear– Wash hands and face after leaving work area– Change clothes before going home– Wash clothes separately

• Prepare the work area:– Cover all surfaces– Warn others not to enter– Keep pregnant women,

children and pets out

Avoid or Limit Dust Created

• Wet scraping• Shrouding

Avoid These Activities

• DON’T use heat guns• DON’T have open flame burning• DON’T use uncontained dry scraping or

sanding• DON’T use paint strippers containing

Methylene Chloride

Take care cleaning up!

• Dispose of all materials safely– EPA or local disposal

• Throw away contaminated materials

• Contain all debris on plastic covers and throw these away

• Use HEPA vacuums

HEPA Vacuums

• Costs approximately $575

• High Efficiency Particulate Air

Lead Safety Equipment

• HEPA Vacuum ($575)

• Wet Sanding Blocks

• Spray Bottles• Heavy Duty

Plastic• Duct Tape• Dust Masks (N-

100)• Heavy Duty

Plastic Bags

Implementation Plan

• Identify potentially lead-hazardous projects. Keep pregnant women and children away!

• Control access to work area.• Notify homeowners of the presence of lead.• Contain dust by working wet.

Create an implementation plan to ensure lead safe work practices.

Further Reading on Lead Safety

More Resources on Lead Safety• For blood tests, call your family doctor or public health clinic.• For testing of paint samples and drinking water, call your local

or state health department.• For a packet of materials or questions about lead, call the

National Lead Information Center, (800)424-LEAD.• For information on lead in drinking water, call the EPA Safe

Drinking Water Hotline, (800)426-4791 – www.epa.gov/safewater

• Contact HUD about tenants’ rights and other housing issues, (800)HUDS-FHA— www.hud.gov/lead

• For more information on Lead In and Around the Home, see Home*A*Syst. (608)262-0024 – www.uwex.edu/homeasyst

• The Lead Safety page on Rebuilding Together Dayton’s website: www.rtdayton.org