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A Cleaning Guide for Temporarily Reducing Lead Hazards 1. Use the Proper Cleaner Cleaners that contains a chelating agent for lead (such as Simple Green Products) Automatic dishwasher detergents containing Phosphates 2. Put on Gloves If you don’t have plastic gloves, wash your hands often during the time you are doing the cleaning. 3. Pick Up All Paint Chips First Window areas often have lots of paint chips. Collect Chips, seal in a plastic bag and throw away. Do not vacuum! 4. Follow the Directions on the Cleaner Box If you are using dishwasher detergent for cleaning, add one – half cup of detergent to one bucket of warm water. 5. Use Paper Towels Don’t use dishcloths or sponges to clean. 6. Keep Wash Water Clean Use a new paper towel to clean each area. Never put dirty towels into the wash water. Put the used Towels in a plastic bag and throw in the trash. 7. Pour Wash Water Down the Toilet Avoid pouring it down the sink. 8. Rinse After Cleaning Use clean water and towels for rinsing each area. 9. Throw Away Used Gloves and Paper Towels Seal them in a plastic bag and put them in the trash. NOTE: A spray bottle may be used instead of a bucket to hold the cleaning solution Important! Do not vacuum lead hazards – that could spread dust into the air and into your vacuum cleaner. CORTLAND COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT “Working to build a healthy community since 1929” ---PAGE BREAK--- A Cleaning Guide for Temporarily Reducing Lead Hazards Lead Poisoning and your Child’s Health Lead-based paint is the most frequent source of childhood lead poisoning. When old paint cracks or peels it can create lead paint chips and lead dust. Children may become poisoned by swallowing lead paint chips, breathing in lead dust, or putting dirty fingers into their mouths. Lead poisoning can slow your child’s development as well as cause learning and behavioral problems. Children under the age of six are at the greatest risk. Cleaning Up Lead Hazards You may temporarily reduce you child’s risk of lead poisoning by using certain cleaners. Use cleaners high in a lead chelating agent like Simple Green or phosphate like automatic dishwasher detergents such as Cascade, Sunlight or those made especially for removing lead. All Cleaners should be kept away from children. Clean These Areas Often: * Window wells and sills (opening and closing windows may create dust and chips) * Lead painted surfaces * Floors Keep Children Safe Cleaning is a very important step to reduce lead hazards. If you have peeling, flaking or chipping paint carry out cleaning instructions daily. Remember this is only a temporary measure until further steps are taken to make the house lead-safe. For more information, contact: Cortland County Health Department Environmental Health 753-5035 Lead Poisoning Control Program 753-5203 The information in this leaflet is adapted from information provided by: Massachusetts Department of Public health – Child Hood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program