Lead tends to be ubiquitous…

Lead tends to be all around us – thanks to the lack of knowledge and understanding about its health effects.

Sources of contamination include:

• lead paint
• windows with leadlighting
• petrol/fuel
• smelting
• fertilisers
• slag from industry used as soil or landfill
• dust in ceilings and wall cavities
• solder on water pipes
• fishing tackle/weights

What Can You Do?

Choosing a Home

Firstly, if you can avoid it – do so.

If you are looking to buy or rent a home that is near industry, please reconsider.

Renovating, Remodelling or Repainting

Make sure you test for the presence of lead in paints before any renovations or repainting. (If you missed this step, test it right away.)

Lead test kits are available from paint and hardware stores.

If you are doing any of these activities, then make sure you are wearing a disposable tyvek suit, gloves and a P1 respirator. Also be sure to keep pregnant women, young children and pets out of the way – lead poisoning can be deadly.

There are some more tips in the video below.

Babies, Children and Animals… Some Great Tips:

All three spend a lot of time on the ground, so make sure the following become part of your daily routine.

• Introduce (and enforce) a no-shoe policy – this will prevent lead dust from entering your home
• Wash paws and feet if they have been outside where there is possible lead contamination
• Make sure you wash hands before every meal AND before (and after) toileting
• Wet dust and mop your home, including sills and ledges – use sugar soap or detergent
• If there is lead dust, then using a 3-bucket system*, as advocated by the LEAD Group
• Ensure your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter, or is cyclonic
• Consider where the painted toys are from – choose ones from Australia
• Where there is bare soil, create barriers in play areas – such as mulch or play mats to prevent contact
• Wash toys, dummies and so forth regularly

And a video

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Here is the 3-Bucket System recommended by The LEAD Group.

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I personally don't like Step 5. Instead, I suggest finding another safe way to dispose of the water – ask your local council.

An alternative would be to clean with Bamboo Microfibre Cloths and dispose of them.

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#lead #LEADGroup #ecohealthsolutions

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