Reducing Exposure: What You Can Do Every Day

Things to Avoid:

• Lead-based Paint: If you live in an older home (pre-1978), lead-based paint may still be present. Avoid disturbing it without proper precautions. If you plan renovations, make sure a certified professional handles the lead-based paint. Please note that not all certified professionals care about your safety. Living in a home with exposed leaded paint will expose you regardless of how careful you are.

• Contaminated Soil: Lead dust from the air can settle in the soil. Avoid gardening in contaminated areas and take precautions with outdoor play for children, and work to reduce the amount of dust generated from this soil. Keep in mind, it is easy to track this contamination into the house.

• Airborne Lead: Small aircraft using leaded aviation fuel are a significant contributor to lead contamination. Avoid areas near small airports or locations with frequent airplane traffic.

• Products with Lead: Keep children ( and yourself ) away from certain toys, jewelry, or cosmetics that may contain lead. Read labels carefully, research and always choose lead-free alternatives.

Things to Do More Of:

• Regular Cleaning: Frequent cleaning with proper methods and tools will reduce lead dust buildup in your home.

• Take steps to reduce airborne dust: Consider upgrading your HVAC filter, or picking up an air cleaner for houses without a forced air heating system. Choose the best filter that you can use. Here is info on common filter ratings.

• Test Your Water, dust, and Paint: If you live in an older home, test your water for lead and have your paint inspected. Regular checks can help detect lead contamination early.

• Ventilate Properly: Ensure that your home is well-ventilated. This helps disperse lead particles that may settle indoors.

• Use a Vacuum with a HEPA Filter: When cleaning, use a vacuum that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. However, be aware that Not all HEPA Filters are created equal, and some won’t filter out Aviation generated lead dust. If you vacuum, ventilate the house during the cleaning process. Even better, if your home is equipped with a central vac system, make sure it’s discharge is vented outside.

• Be Aware: This doesn’t sound like much, but it makes a vast difference.

• Make Stress Your Friend – A TED Talk by Kelly McGonigal. Learn about how stress impacts our health and how changing our perception of stress can improve our well-being. Watch on TED

How to Clean Lead Dust Safely: Cleaning Techniques You Need to Know

Surfactants Are Key

Lead dust is sticky and requires more than just water to be cleaned up safely. Water alone won’t remove the dust effectively. You need cleaners with surfactants—chemical compounds that lower surface tension and make it easier to capture and remove the dust.

• Recommended Cleaners: Use cleaners like Clorox Wipes or other products containing surfactants. Avoid using baby wipes, as they don’t have the necessary properties to properly clean lead contamination.

Cleaning Technique is Crucial

The cleaning method is just as important as the cleaner itself:

• Use the wipe in one direction and avoid wiping back and forth, as this can spread lead particles.

• Dispose of wipes properly after each use to prevent contamination from spreading.

• Wear gloves during cleaning to avoid direct contact with lead.

Recommended Reading:
For a detailed guide on cleaning lead-based dust, visit LeadSafeMama’s page: “I Found Lead-Paint in My Home. Now What?”

Post-Exposure: What to Do if You’ve Been Exposed to Lead

If you suspect that you or a family member has been exposed to lead, immediate action is necessary. Test for lead poisoning—particularly if you have young children or elderly individuals at home, as they are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead.

Steps to Take:

• Get a Blood Test: A blood test will determine the active detectable level of lead in your system. Contact your healthcare provider to arrange for a test. Note that the threshold for lead damage is very low, and a Blood Lead Level test will not show historical lead levels, only actively circulating levels greater than the individual test detection threshold. Which means this is not a catch-all test. If your blood lead levels are high, your doctor will advise the next steps. In some cases, chelation therapy may be needed to remove lead from your body. The threshold that your medical provider determines to be “High” will very, depending on many factors. Just understand: There is no safe level of lead.

• Detox Your Environment: After exposure, make sure to follow the cleaning guidelines above. Ensure your home is free from lead dust, and continue to clean regularly to prevent future exposure.

Why Mindset Matters: Staying Positive and Proactive

Lead poisoning is preventable, but it requires action and vigilance. The key to protecting yourself and your family is to maintain a mindset of awareness and prevention. A proactive approach is your best defense, so stay informed about the risks and take consistent steps to safeguard your home and health.

Stay Committed to Making Changes:

• Reduce your exposure, one step at a time.

• Clean regularly and safely—don’t procrastinate.

• Be persistent in checking for contamination and finding resources to improve your home’s safety.

Testing for Lead: How to Know What You’re Dealing With

If you suspect that your home is contaminated with lead, testing is the first step in understanding the extent of the problem. Lead testing kits can help you determine the level of contamination and allow you to plan the necessary remediation steps.

• Lead Testing Kits are available online. Look for trusted brands that provide reliable results.

• Professional Testing Services may also be an option if you suspect significant contamination in your water, soil, dust, or paint.

• Take a look at EPA’s standards for a solid reference value. Hazard Standards and Clearance Levels for Lead in Paint, Dust and Soil

Recommended Testing Kit:
For reliable results, consider using the SLGI Lead Test Kit. Visit www.slabinc.com for more information.

Community Action: Beyond Your Home

While individual action is important, community efforts are just as critical in reducing lead contamination. Advocate for stricter policies on leaded aviation fuel, ensure proper lead remediation in public spaces, and work with local authorities to clean up areas with high lead contamination levels.

• Support Legislation: Push for laws that eliminate the use of leaded aviation fuel and improve environmental safety.

• Community Cleanups: Join local initiatives to clean up lead hotspots in your area.

• Educate Others: Spread awareness about lead exposure and its risks to your family, friends, and community.

Empowering Yourself and Future Generations

Lead contamination is a serious issue, but we have the power to make a difference. Through consistent, proactive steps, you can reduce your exposure to lead and protect the health of future generations. Don’t wait for a crisis to occur—take action now to keep your home and community safe.