Lead poisoning is very serious and common health issue for people working in older buildings, polluted areas and construction sites. Health problems occurring from lead poisoning can be difficult to treat, however taking steps to reduce exposure to lead can help prevent lead poisoning.

If your building was painted before 1978, chances are it was painted with lead paint. Lead paint flakes, and chips. These pieces of paint can be stepped on and ground into dust. Lead dust particles can get on clothes and float through the air, to be inhaled by any one in the building. Removing the paint and repainting can stop lead chips from contaminating the area. Do not use heat guns, sanders, or blowlamps to remove lead paint. Use a chemical paint stripper one with a paste that can be applied with a brush. These chemicals are also dangerous, so, use in a well ventilated area and wear a face mask.

Most old pluming contains lead pipes and solder with lead in it. If you do have lead pipes you can have them replaced to reduce exposure through the water or allow it the cold water to run for a few minutes before drinking or cooking with it. Never cook or drink water from the hot water spigot. You can contact your local health department and get your tap water checked for lead.

Have your building regularly cleaned. All carpet should be vacuumed with a HEPA filter vacuum. Dust and mop on a regular basis reducing dust buildup.  You should also encourage employees to wash hands after working with tools and make sure the tools are cleaned regularly.

All employees that are working in or around construction areas should be required to where face masks to reduce the amount of exposure through air-borne particles. Take extra precautions if your employees are renovating or remodeling buildings built before 1978.

Suggest that employees eat a diet high in proteins, vitamin C, and iron with help their bodies eliminate small amounts of lead exposure.  This will not prevent damage done to large exposures, but it will help for small amounts.