Lead Dust Busters

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO DECREASE YOUR CHILD'S EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST Click here for print friendly version.

MATERIALS

Plastic Gloves.

Spray bottle with water.

Heavy duty plastic bags-use single 6 mil bags or double 4 mil bags.

Cleaning solution containing Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) or general all-purpose cleaner.

Bucket

Disposable lint-free towels, rags, sponges and mops.

HEPA Vacuum cleaner (Special vacuum cleaner with a High Efficiency Particle Air Filter) or a regular vacuum with HEPA filter.

PROCEDURES

HEPA Vacuum all surfaces in the work area including woodwork, walls, windows, window wells, and floors.

Fill your bucket with hot water.

Add 2-3 tablespoons TSP or general all-purpose cleaner (Water will feel soapy or slimy with just the right amount).

Fill another bucket with hot water so you can "rinse" your sponges often. Change this rinse water often! (Every time you start to clean a new room or a different window).

Put on gloves. This will protect hands from the cleaning solution.

Use the spray bottle to "wet down" all dust and debris with a fine mist of water. This will help control the dust. Start from the ceiling and work down to the floor.

Wash-all surfaces in the work area with the TSP or general all-purpose cleaner solutions, including the ceiling and areas that had been covered with plastic.

Discard all items used for lead dust reduction (towels, sponges, rags, mop heads) in plastic bags after they have dried.

Wrap all debris in the plastic sheets used during this procedure.

Place these sheets in the plastic bags and tie them shut.

HEPA Vacuum all surfaces a second time until no dust or residue can be seen.

PLACES TO CLEAN EXTRA WELL

Use your sponge or rags to wipe off the window sill and trim.

Use your sponge or rags to wipe out the window wells.

Use your mop to clean all wood and tile floors. To be sure that lead dust levels remain low, residents should clean these surfaces with a mild solution of TSP or general all-purpose cleaner and hot water once a week.

REMEMBER

Rinse out your mop and sponges often!

Change your "rinse" water for each new surface you clean!

Keep out of reach of children!

Always wear gloves when you clean!

Do not use these materials for dishes or other household cleaning!