Employees in the construction and remodeling sectors are frequently exposed to the risk of lead contamination. During renovations, they may come into contact with lead present in old paints, which spread in the air and on surfaces during the work. Lead is invisible and poses a significant health hazard to workers and their families if preventive measures are not taken.
As shown in the photos below, lead adheres to skin, shoes, clothing, and hair. Therefore, it can be easily transported home, risking the contamination of family members.
Hand tested after whipping a surface with lead dust
Shoe sole tested more than 48 hours after leaving a job site
Contamination of employees’ homes: Renovating buildings that contain lead can pose significant health risks. During activities like sanding, lead dust can adhere to workers’ clothing. Without proper precautions, this lead dust can be transported home, potentially contaminating the workers’ living environment and exposing their families to harmful lead particles. To protect the health of workers and their families, make sure to identify potential lead hazards before beginning any renovation work.
Employee’s Exposure to Lead: Employees in the construction and renovation industry are particularly exposed to lead hazards. Lead is harmful to adults. Before renovating, make sure the building does not contain lead and protect the health of your employees.
Environment contamination: When sanding lead paint, lead dust will be spread in the environment (inside a building or outside). IMPORTANT: lead paint can be an old layer hidden by a new one. When sanding, this hidden lead paint will also make dust and spread around.
Lead particles: When sanding lead paint, lead particles will spread in the air and contaminate the building itself but also the neighborhood.
Community contamination: When renovation works are carried out, lead dust can contaminate not only the people occupying the building (if the works are carried out inside) but also passers-by (if the works are carried out outside).