Exposure To Lead Paint From Clothing
Exposure to lead paint from clothing is usually relevant to construction workers or contractors. Using a disposable overall helps to reduce the contamination of clothing and exposure to lead paint. Gloves and specific clothing also help to protect the worker from lead paint exposure.
Clothing that is not disposable can be used, but requires commercial laundry cleaning after work hours. Individuals who do work with lead on their jobs expose themselves to lead pain and can bring the lead paint on their clothes and home to their families. Lead paint can cause poisoning or serious health problems to adults and behavioral problems in children. Adults who are exposed to lead paint from their clothing endure serious consequences of suffering from kidney damage, fertility problems and high blood pressure.
A worker who has to go on site where lead paint may be prevalent or if dealing with any type of construction should use a spray bottle with water to wet the surface area before any scraping begins. Before scraping off any paint, be sure to spray the surface with the water from the spray bottle. The water will help to control any lead dust from getting on your clothing.
The most threatening sources of lead exposure from clothing are definitely found in the work environment. When paint is removed without putting water on the surface, it will invoke lead fumes that individuals breathe in and put themselves at risk for lead poisoning. Workers can also get lead dust on their hands and transfer it to their foods and inhale it when if they smoke cigarettes.
After working, contractors and construction workers should get rid of any clothing worn during the scraping of lead. They should discard it or use special laundry help outside of the home. If they are going to wash clothes inside the home, be sure to wash them separately from any other piece of clothing. Use an all-purpose cleaner when washing clothes. Clean out your washer after clothes is washed.
Change clothes and shoes before entering your home, if you are a construction worker or contractor coming in from work. Take a shower and wash hands as quickly as possible after getting home. The lead can enter the body through the blood stream and cause major damage very quickly. If your home is toxic with lead, this can also be a playing field for lead poisoning because lead can be transferred to your clothing in your closets.
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