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Lead aware
housekeeping
The most common way for people, to take lead into
our bodies, is by way of "leaded" dust. This is especially so for young children
because as all parents know, pre school children often put everything in their mouths,
which introduces leaded dust into their stomachs. This dust can come from many sources
including deteriorating paint, leaded petrol exhaust, ceiling void dust leakage, tracked
in soil or dust brought home on the clothes of a worker or lead hobbyist.
Very small amounts of lead are known to cause serious health effects in humans, especially
young children. This damage can be occurring when symptoms are not showing. Remember, a
lot of lead contaminated dust is too fine to be seen. If you live in a home which has been
renovated, or built before 1970, is situated on a busy street or is near a lead industry,
these lead aware housekeeping tips will help reduce your family’s risk of exposure.
Mopping
and Wet Wiping
Throw your broom and feather duster away! Use wet wiping and mopping to replace all
dusting and sweeping. When cleaning is done "dry", a large amount of dust is
lifted into the air, only to settle on surfaces again later. Wet mop hard floor surfaces
and wet wipe bench tops, furniture, toys and window sills etc (especially child accessible
surfaces) using a high phosphate detergent (e.g.liquid sugar soap) in the water.
After you vacuum, dust stays suspended for some time, so allow at least an hour
(preferably with doors closed to minimise air flow and dust disturbance) before you wet
wipe. This is to maximise dust capture during the wet wiping process. Of course the longer
you can allow between vacuuming and dusting the better (e.g. overnight).
High phosphate detergents are extremely efficient at taking up lead particles in the
cleaning process. Rinse the mop and change the water regularly. Some users find it harsh
and it is recommended that you use gloves to protect your skin. The frequency of mopping
depends on the degree of lead contamination. Within 10 metres of a major traffic artery or
other source of airborne lead, it should be done twice a week. Further away, preferably
once a week, but at least once a fortnight.
Carpets and Vacuuming
Remove carpet if possible, as hard floor surfaces are easier to clean. Ordinary vacuum
cleaners cannot filter all fine lead particles, so if possible use a vacuum cleaner with a
HEPA filter or a ducted vacuum system to prevent the redistribution of dust particles in
the home. If neither of these options are available, try to vacuum when young children are
not present and allow time for dust to settle before they are allowed into the room. It is
best to vacuum once a week rather than every day, because of the dust disturbance. Carpets
are very difficult to clean once they are contaminated (as are curtains and other soft
furnishings).
Pets
Animal coats can harbour considerable amounts of dust, so keep pets outside and ensure
children wash their hands after patting them. Any animal bedding that may be accessible to
children should be washed with liquid sugar soap. Take off shoes at the door or use
washable or hoseable mats to prevent dust being tracked into the home by pets or family
members.
Laundry
Regularly wash soft toys, cloth books and security blankets. Hard toys should be washed in
liquid sugar soap and rinsed well. Workers, shooters and hobbyists can all bring home lead
dust on their clothes or contaminate the area that they work in, if home based. People
such as painters, panel beaters, motor mechanics, car battery workers, builders, mine
workers, leadlighters and furniture restorers could all pose a lead risk to children and
care should be taken. Keep children away from workshops and garages and clean the area
thoroughly. Do not shake or leave dusty clothes near children. When laundering work
clothes use a phosphate detergent (e.g. liquid sugar soap) and wash them separately from
family clothes. Rinse out the machine afterwards, again with a phosphate solution, before
the next load to prevent cross contamination.
Preferably
launder work clothes at work.
General
Regular hand washing can make a huge difference to a child's intake of lead dust. Always
wash hands with soap after playing outside, touching pets and always before eating. It is
also important to dry them well as damp hands will naturally pick up more dust.
Fingernails should be kept short and a nail brush used regularly. Dummies should be kept
clean and pinned to clothing. Having a clean dummy is better than putting dusty objects in
the mouth. Young children need frequent meals and snacks - up to six a day as they absorb
less lead with something in their stomach. Their diet should be high in iron, protein,
calcium, Vitamin C and zinc and avoid high fat foods.
A cleaning system recommended by the US EPA, known as the "three bucket" system
may be useful if you are concerned about lead levels, particularly after a renovation or
if you live on a very busy road. This system is not required for "everyday"
housekeeping!
Three bucket cleaning system, You will need :
- Three buckets (1 - for detergent, 2 - for clean
water, 3 - for emptying used water into)
- Two mops or rags, one for clean and one for dirty
- A lead specific cleaning detergent (e.g. liquid sugar
soap)
Method:
- Place mop into detergent solution, wipe area
- Squeeze into empty bucket
- Place second mop into clean water and wipe area and
squeeze into empty bucket
- Replace water every room or every half hour whichever
comes first
- Pour water down toilet
- Start at top and furthest corner from door
This fact sheet was produced with the
assistance of the NSW Government.
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