Lead from Jobs and Hobbies

Children and adults can be at risk of lead exposure through the jobs and hobbies that some adults have.

hildren and adults can be at risk of lead exposure through the jobs and hobbies that some adults have.
hildren and adults can be at risk of lead exposure through the jobs and hobbies that some adults have.

The following are common jobs and hobbies that may increase your risk of lead exposure:

  • Renovating and painting
  • Mining
  • Smelting
  • Battery recycling
  • Refinishing old furniture
  • Auto body work
  • Working with stock cars (weights used in stock cars)
  • Hunting (shot and reloading lead ammunition)
  • Fishing (fishing sinkers and jigs)
  • Stained glass (came and solder)
  • Making pottery (dyes and glazes)

When an adult takes part in these jobs and hobbies, they increase their personal risk through the possibility of breathing in or swallowing lead dust during their work or touching food and then eating it without thoroughly washing their hands.

Plus, adults can bring lead dust into the home on shoes, hands and clothes, putting children in the home at risk for exposure as well.

You can limit lead contamination in your home by taking the following steps:

  • Do not put leaded items in your mouth (fishing sinkers, etc.)
  • Wash your hands before eating or drinking
  • Avoid touching your face while working with lead materials
  • Change your clothes before going into your home
  • Take off your shoes before going into your home
  • Wash work clothes separately from other laundry
  • After washing lead-contaminated clothing and removing them from the machine, run the rinse cycle once before using the washing machine again
  • Work with lead in a well-ventilated area outside of the home
  • Follow lead-safe work practices at your job

Resources

MI LEAD SAFE - JOBS AND HOBBIES

Learn how to prevent lead exposure through jobs and hobbies at the State of Michigan’s MI Lead Safe website.
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