1. What products in the UK 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.
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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;
- drinking contaminated water, through old lead pipes;
- 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.
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3. What occupations might result in a lead exposure?
Occupations that put people and their families at risk for lead exposure include:
- 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.
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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.
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5. How can I find out if my workplace is dangerous?
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