While there are standards for lead exposure, at this time there is no level that is considered safe, so the best policy is to avoid lead exposure altogether. This is difficult because as a contaminant in food, water or dust, lead cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. Be aware of potential sources of lead and take appropriate action.

If you are moving into an older home and have young children or are planning to start a family, have the paint and soil around the house tested for lead. If the house is old it may contain pipes or solder joints with lead or with fixtures with high concentrations of lead. Test kits are available in some stores but these generally only indicate if lead is present, not how much. If you are renovating an old home, sanding or removing paint may create dust with high concentrations of lead. Young children exhibit hand-to-mouth behaviors and will ingest significant amounts of lead just from the dust. The EPA has information on safe home renovation.

If you work or come into contact with lead, wash your hands as soon as possible. If you handle lead and then eat, whatever you touch with your hands will contain a small amount of lead. Removing your shoes before coming into the house will reduce tracking in dust that contains lead. This is particularly important if there is indication of soil contamination, such as might occur near or down wind from a smelter.

Beware of any hobby using lead or products that might contain lead. Reduce or eliminate lead-based products whenever possible. Most states now ban lead pellets for hunting because the lead pellets are a hazard to birds and contaminate the environment with lead. Old cooking utensils, leaded crystal, and some pottery glaze may contain lead that will leach into foods, particularly those high in acid. Even some cosmetics contain lead, particularly hair
coloring products that gradually hide gray hair. Tobacco contains a small amount of lead, which is another reason to avoid inhalation of tobacco smoke.

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