Cleaning Lead Safely

Keep Homes Clean & Dust Free

Lead dust can accumulate on surfaces inside a home, which can expose children to unsafe levels of lead. Lead-safe Cleaning are strategies to decrease or eliminate lead dust when a hazard has been identified, in a manner safe to humans and animals. Lead is a heavy metal that is toxic to humans and is most commonly ingested by children in the form of dust or paint chips. When a lead hazard is identified, it is important to clean in a way that will limit the spread of lead dust in the air and on surfaces.

Getting started with lead-safe cleaning:

1. Identify the locations to be cleaned and gather proper supplies.

2. Remove children and pregnant women from the area.

3. Vacuum any loose paint chips or debris on horizontal surfaces

4. Dampen and wipe any area that is being cleaned to reduce airborne dust.

5. Frequently change disposable cleaning supplies and dispose discard  in a trash bag.

6. Wash hands and clothing thoroughly following cleanup. 

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