While lead is a very dangerous and toxic material, it is not until lead is disturbed and
damaged that it becomes a hazard.  In stable condition, lead will not flake or distribute
dust.  Interior locations are much easier to maintain than exterior locations.  Peeling,
chipping, chalking or flaking lead are considered a hazard and must be stabilized or abated
at once.  Any surface that can be chewed on or receive a higher than normal amount of
damage, due to friction and impact, are also considered lead hazards.  These locations can
include baseboards, window components, door components, stair components, porches,
decks, and more.  If you are renting or living in a home built prior to 1978 and are either
sure or unsure whether or not it contains lead based paint.  Lead poisoning is not just about
eating paint chips in poor areas, lead dust from friction can present itself it any home built
prior to 1978 independent of racial and socio-economic class lines.


How Can I Stay Safe?

Maintaining a clean and safe home with lead is not impossible, but certain guidelines and
proactive measures must be taken to ensure the safety of you and your family.  The list
below gives an excellent starting point on how to protect yourself.

Guidelines for protection include:

  • Frequently wash hands, pacifier, toys and other items that may go in the mouth.
  • Feed children nutritious low-fat meals high in calcium and iron.
  • Flush water from tap for two minutes before drinking.
  • Use cold tap water to prepare baby formula.
  • Do not allow children or pets to play in dirt within three feet of the house’s foundation.
  • Wipe dust from horizontal surfaces (counters, tables or floors) with a wet cloth or mop.
  • Use a doormat to wipe feet or remove shoes to keep dust out of the house.
  • Remove imported vinyl mini-blinds from areas frequented by small children.
  • Keep children away from paint chips and lead dust.
  • Learn if your home contains lead-based paint.
  • Contact your local health department for guidelines on remodeling a home with lead-based
    paint.
  • Avoid candy from Mexico or other countries that contains tamarind and/or chili.
  • Avoid storing or cooking food in traditional, handmade pottery from Mexico.
  • Follow the guidelines listed below to prevent bringing lead home from work.  

                                                                                                   (Washington State Department of Health)



To reduce exposure to lead, workers should:

  • Wash hands and face before eating, drinking or smoking.
  • Eat, drink and smoke only in areas free of lead dust and fumes.
  • Work with your employer to reduce lead in the workplace. This may include special
    ventilation equipment or use of a properly fitted respirator.
  • Do not sweep or blow lead-contaminated dust. Wet cleaning and vacuuming are safer.
  • Use separate work clothes and shoes while at work.
  • Keep street clothes in a clean place.
  • Shower at work before going home.
  • Launder work clothes at work. If you take clothes home, wash and dry them separately.  

                                                                                                     (Washington State Department of Health)



See the following links for more EPA guidelines on safe home and work practices.
Black Bear Inspections, Inc.
Living with Lead