Key points
- If your workplace contains lead, you may be bringing it home.
- Lead poisoning has happened in children whose parents accidentally brought home lead dust.
- Cleaning up lead is hard and expensive.
- It's easier to keep lead out of your home or car than to clean them.
Before work
- Anything you take to work can get lead on it. Bring as little as possible to work.
- Consider bringing food and water in disposable containers.
At home
- Never wear shoes in your home that you wore at work. Take off work shoes outside the home and store them in a closed plastic bag.
- If you can't shower at work, shower as soon as you get home.
- Clean your vehicle and your home often.
- For hard floors and furniture, use wet cleaning methods.
- For carpets and fabrics, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
- When cleaning up lead, use separate cleaning supplies than you use in the rest of the home. This will keep lead from spreading throughout your home.
At the healthcare provider's office
- Tell your healthcare provider you work with lead. Healthcare providers especially need to know if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
- Make sure everyone in your household tells their healthcare provider they live with someone who works with lead.
- Parents of children who spend a lot of time in your household should also tell their healthcare providers.
- If your work doesn't regularly test for lead, ask your doctor if you should be tested.
Resources
How to Prevent Lead Poisoning in Children
Primary prevention – the removal of lead hazards from the environment before exposure and secondar...
Content Source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health