What Can We Do?

WHAT CAN WE DO TO MINIMISE OUR CHILD’S EXPOSURE TO LEAD?

INFANTS

• Ensure that when handling an infant your hands are clean and the infant does not come into contact with anything that may be contaminated by lead dust.
• Regularly wipe down infants crib/cot with a wet towel to remove any dust contamination that may have settled.
• Ensure that infants bedding (pillows, sheets, blankets) and clothing are regularly washed.
• Ensure that any old or antique cribs/cots that may contain lead based paints are in good condition or substituted with a safer alternative.
• Locate the child’s bassinette/cot away from open windows to minimise potential exposure from lead dust via wind.

TODDLERS

• It is critical that dummies are regularly rinsed clean, especially when they come into contact with the floor.
• Ensure that the toddler’s crib/cot does not contain lead paint; this can be a significant source of lead when the toddler is teething.
• Ensure that your child’s sleeping area is not directly adjacent to an open window, particularly when the wind is blowing from the direction of the smelter.
• Covering the carpet, floorboards or lino with a clean sheet/blanket before putting your child on the floor, substantially reduces the lead loading on their hands and fingers.
• Do not allow infants/toddlers to come into contact with outside pets.
• Do not allow infants and toddlers to eat food on the ground unless a clean sheet or blanket has been laid to protect any food that may fall onto the ground and then eaten.
• Regularly wet wipe/wash toys, particularly when infants are teething.
• Make sure that children are not present when carpets are vacuumed. Wait a couple of hours after cleaning before bringing a child back into the cleaned area.
• Make sure that infants do not drink rainwater. Boiling it will not remove lead.

WHAT CAN A SMELTER EMPLOYEE OR CONTRACTOR DO TO REDUCE THE RISK OF LEAD EXPOSURE TO YOUR FAMILY?

• Make sure that you shower and wash your hair before leaving work.
• Change into civvies clothing before leaving the Smelter.
• Ensure that you remove all contaminated works clothing and footwear before leaving the Smelter.
• Do not wear personal undergarments underneath your works clothing. Make sure you use t-shirts, shorts and socks supplied by the Smelter which are laundered on site along with other works clothing.
• Do not come into physical contact with children whilst wearing contaminated works clothing.
• Ensure that you use the supplied barrier cream to minimise any lead containing dirt getting ingrained into hands.
• Do not enter your vehicle whilst still wearing contaminated works clothing.
• Always change out of work clothing before entering a family car.
• Keep your work vehicle separate from your family life. Do not allow children access to works vehicles and certainly do not use this vehicle to transport children.
• Where possible, family cars that carry children and prams should not be used for getting to and from work, this is a possible source of contamination for young children.
• Place work backpacks and bags in the boot of the vehicle, enclosed in a large plastic bag, rather than the interior, where children may be exposed to lead dust particles that have accumulated on them.
• Store backpacks and bags that are taken to work in a secure place where babies, toddlers and young children are unable to access them.
• Newspapers/magazines read at work are also a source of lead dust. If possible do not take them home, as they will leave deposits in the car and home.

WHAT CAN WE DO AROUND THE HOME TO REDUCE OUR FAMILIES’ EXPOSURE TO LEAD?

WASH HANDS

• Substantial amounts of lead can be found on children’s hands at all ages.
• Whilst outdoors, children’s hands accumulate more lead dust than during the same amount of time indoors
• The amount of lead contamination on a child’s hands has been directly related to their blood lead level
• Regular hand washing, especially before a child eats, greatly helps to reduce a child’s exposure to lead dust
• Always wash and dry hands thoroughly before preparing food, eating, drinking, touching and playing with your children
• Don’t allow infants/toddlers to eat food on the ground unless a clean sheet, towel or blanket has been laid to protect any food that may fall onto the ground and then be eaten.

AROUND THE HOME

• Make sure that all home renovations and soil disturbances around the home are carried out when the child is not at home. Make sure areas are cleaned after any renovations and allow a few hours to pass before bringing a child back into the home.
• Always mop floors rather than sweep and always wet wipe tables and surfaces to limit the generation of dust back into the air.
• Ensure that all outdoor footwear is not worn inside the home, but left outside