Lead Dust Prevention: Keeping Your Home Safe
Explanation:
A client living in a housing development built in 1968 should use a wet-sanding technique when preparing to repaint their front door to prevent aerosolizing lead particles. This technique is recommended to limit exposure to lead dust, which is a common issue when dealing with homes built before 1978 that contain lead-based paint. Dry sanding can create large amounts of lead dust and thus increase the risk of lead poisoning, especially for children.
Lead-based paint was banned in the U.S. for use in housing in 1978, but homes built prior to this could still have this paint under newer layers. Given the possibility of such lead-based paints in a house constructed in 1968, precautions against lead dust are essential. The wet-sanding technique is one such preventive measure which could help in reducing the spread of this hazardous lead dust.
Moreover, homeowners should take further precautions such as:
- Changing clothes and cleaning the house thoroughly after sanding or painting to remove any lead dust
- Using lead-safe certified professionals for any future painting or repairs
- Ensuring a nutritious diet rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C which can inhibit the absorption of lead
By following these precautions and using the wet-sanding technique, homeowners can protect themselves and their families from the risks associated with lead exposure.