Page 72 - GreenBook

precautions to prevent exposure being taken.

2. Soil and dust act as pathways to children for lead deposited from paint,
leaded gasoline and industrial sources. Since lead does not dissipate,
biodegrade, or decay, the lead deposited into dust and soil becomes a long-
term source of lead exposure for children.

3. Drinking water can be contaminated with lead in the distribution system.

4. Airborne lead is only a minor exposure pathway, except around point
sources. Examples of point sources are smelters and areas around bridges
that are being sandblasted or demolished. Although lead use in gasoline
has been markedly reduced, previous use has resulted in widespread

contamination of soil and dust.

5. Food. The quantity of lead in the U.S. diet has decreased markedly in recent
years. Improperly fired ceramic ware, leaded crystal, and lead-soldered
cans result in lead leaching into foods. Food grown in "urban gardens"
where soil is high in lead may have elevated lead content.

6. Other sources of lead exposure are: "traditional" or folk medicines and
cosmetics from various parts of the world, fishing weights, antique toy
soldiers, hobbies (stained glass and pottery making), furniture refinishing
and burning lead-painted wood.

Steps To Take To Reduce Exposure To Lead:
1. Have your home tested for lead paint by the local board of health or by a

licensed lead paint inspector.

2. Make sure your child does not have access to peeling paint or chewable
surfaces painted with lead-based paint. Pay special attention to windows

and window sills and wells.

3. If the house was built before about 1978 and has hard surface floors, wet
mop them at least once a week with a high phosphate solution (for example,
5-8% phosphates). The phosphate content of automatic dish washing
detergents and other cleaning substances is often listed on the label and
may be high enough for this purpose. OthenA^ise, trisodium phosphate can
be purchased in hardware stores. Other hard surfaces (such as window
sills and baseboards) should also be wiped with a similar solution. Do not
vacuum hard surface floors or window sills or wells, since this will disperse
dust. Vacuum cleaners with agitators remove dust from rugs more
effectively than vacuum cleaners with suction only.

4. Wash your child's hands and face before he/she eats. Keep your child's
fingernails short and clean. Wash toys and pacifiers frequently.

5. Since the highest concentrations of lead in a yard tend to be near surfaces
that were once painted with lead paint, like exterior walls, if exterior lead
paint was likely to be used, plant bushes around the outside of your house

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