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Lead
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Common Questions
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1. What products in Australia still contain lead, besides paint and ceramics?
2. How do people get exposed? Is touching these products enough to raise my blood level?
3. What occupations might result in a lead exposure?
4. Are there ways to protect myself and my family from getting lead exposure if I work in a dangerous area?
5. How can I find out if my workplace is dangerous?
1. What products in Australia still contain lead, besides paint and ceramics?
Products that still contain lead include batteries, solder, some pipes, ammunition, roofing, industrial paints, and X-ray shield materials.
2. How do people get exposed? Is touching these products enough to raise my blood level?
Just holding a lead object in your hands won’t poison you. Breathing in or swallowing lead may poison you, however. Some examples of lead poisoning situations would be:
- inhaling dust from a home renovation project on an old house;
- swallowing lead shot (for a shotgun), a curtain weight, or a lead toy and not passing it through your system; and
- inhaling burning lead-painted wood or battery casings in home fireplaces.
3. What occupations might result in a lead exposure?
Occupations that put people and their families at risk for lead exposure include:
- painting
- lead smelting plant,
- construction,
- steel welding,
- bridge reconstruction,
- firing range instructors and cleaners,
- remodeling and refinishing,
- foundry work,
- scrap metal recycling,
- car repair, and
- cable splicing.
4. Are there ways to protect myself and my family from getting lead exposure if I work in a dangerous area?
Yes. If you are working in a potentially harmful environment with exposure to lead dust or mist:
- wash your hands before you eat, drink, or smoke;
- eat, drink, and smoke in areas that are free from lead dust and fumes;
- wear a properly fitted respirator with a HEPA filter. Shave your face to get the best fit;
- keep your street clothes in a clean place. Change into different clothes and shoes before you work with lead;
- shower immediately after working with lead, before you go home; and
- launder your work clothes at the work place or separately from other family members’ clothes.
5. How can I find out if my workplace is dangerous?
For more information about lead poisoning and workplace safety, visit the Australian Safety and Compensation Council.
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This page was last modified on
July 14, 2007.
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