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Lead Poisoning: Tips for Those Who Work With Lead

Topic Overview

To avoid lead poisoning if you have a job or hobby that may expose you to lead:

  • Wash your hands a lot, and don't eat or drink around possible lead sources.
  • Follow U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for protection from exposure to lead at work. Your employer should provide these guidelines. For more information, see the Other Places to Get Help section of the topic Lead Poisoning.
  • Shower and change clothes and shoes at work before getting in your car or before you come home, to prevent bringing home lead dust on your clothes and hair. Wash work clothes at your workplace if possible. If washing clothes at work is not possible, wash your clothes separately, and avoid contaminating your car and home.
  • Move your hobby work space to a place away from your home, and wash and change clothes before getting in your car or returning home.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology
Last Revised June 5, 2012

Last Revised: June 5, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology

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