• Office of Environmental Health Assessments (OEHA)

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Lead Program Links

• Childhood Lead Program

• Information for Parents and the Public

• Web and Print Resources

• Childhood Lead Screening
 

For more Information, contact Lauren Jenks
1-800-909-9898 (toll free in WA State) or contact your local health department.

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Lead Poisoning Prevention Workplace and Hobbies
 

Workplace

There are several industries that use lead. These can include battery factories, bridge painting, indoor firing ranges, chemical factories, home remodeling, and factories that make metal products. Employers are required to teach workers how to protect themselves from lead hazards at work. It is important for workers to be careful to not bring lead dust home with them. This dust can poison your family.  Below are basic precautions you should take if you work with lead:
 

• Keep your work clothes and shoes separate from those you wear at home.

• Keep street clothes in a clean place.

• Shower at work before going home.

• Launder work clothes at work. If you take clothes home, wash and dry them separately.

For more information on protecting yourself and your family from lead, contact

• Safety and Health Assessment and Research Program (SHARP),Washington Department of Labor and Industries
  PO Box 44330
  Olympia, WA 98504-4330
  Phone: 1-888-66-SHARP (toll-free) or 360-902-5667
  E-mail: SHARP@LNI.wa.gov or Fax: 360-902-5672

Hobbies

If you have a hobby that may involve lead, take steps to protect yourself and your family from lead hazards:
 

• Avoid using materials with lead. Consider using alternative, safer materials.

• Work in a well-ventilated room or studio. It is best to do this away from your home.
• Purchase and use non-toxic fishing sinkers, hooks, and other supplies.
• Change your clothes and shower after you work with your hobby activity.
• Wash your clothes separate from the family laundry.
• Keep children away from work space and materials that may contain lead.
   

For more information about the use of lead in fishing weights, visit

• EPA Anglers and Aquatic Resource Protection