LEAD PAINT:

Fact Sheet:

Employing Cleaning Methods to Minimize Lead Hazards in the Home

It is a well-known fact that using simple cleaning practices and proper maintenance can minimize lead hazards in the home. Lead based paint maintained in good condition usually is not harmful to the residents. On the other hand, lead based paint that falls into disrepair can cause harmful lead dust which settles on surfaces and is ingested or breathed in by people living in or visiting the home. After performing a visual inspection of paint conditions and repairing any areas in need, it is very important to clean up afterwards, and on a regular basis, to ensure that no lead hazards have been left behind. There are several elements to a effective cleaning method:

• All horizontal surfaces should be wiped or mopped with a solution of water and a good all-purpose cleaner, a high phosphate cleaner such as TSP, or a cleaner specially for cleaning up lead dust. This includes window sills, floors, counter tops, window wells and any other surfaces that dust may settle on. Cleaning should be done on a weekly basis.
• Be sure to rinse your mop or cloth frequently in clean water while cleaning. Do not rinse in your cleaning solution. This will only cause your cloth or mop to become contaminated and ineffective.
• Carpeted areas must be professionally steam-cleaned. This may not remove ALL lead dust, but will minimize it greatly.
• Most regular household vacuums will not remove lead dust because it is so small. Many times, household vacuums simply spread lead dust around the home in the exhaust and right through the bag. Be sure to use a HEPA vacuum, or one which removes particles as small as than 3 microns.
• Wash childrens toys, pacifiers, and stuffed toys regularly, especially if they have come in contact with the floor where they may have picked up lead dust.
• Clean or remove shoes before entering the home to reduce the amount of lead which may be brought in from the outside.

Using proper cleaning methods will help you to minimize lead dust hazards in the home and help you to protect your family from lead exposure.

This information has been provided to you courtesy of: