In addition to lead in paints there can also be cadmium and chromium (hexavalent chrome is the "bad un").
I was an industrial hygienist with Navy Hospital at Bremerton. Worked extensively in the lead program there and did a lot of field sampling. Doug 9656 from Port Orchard and I may even know each other. Lead dust is absorbed very well by breathing - no smoking in lead areas. Swallowing works well also. Lead in gasoline can absorb thru skin but that is not a "big" absorption route.
I would agree with all preventitive measures said previous and repeat what Doug said
DO NOT USE COMPRESSED AIR TO CLEAN UP PAINT DUST.
Do not get respirators at the hardware store see a proper safety outfit or in crunch get em from Grainger. The best are the cartridges with a purple band (HEPA and radionuclide).
For you guys that did it wrong I would not go nuts thinking your kids are gonna die from being in the yard - unless they are in the lead paint dust sweeping pile. If you are really concerned your local health department may be able to help you with sampling and lab work or refer you to a QUALIFIED and COMPETENT lab. They may not charge you for taking samples of kids - generally a hair clipping but if detected they may want to take blood.
You will pay about 50 to 75 per sample of the yard dirt I guess but a bit of piece of mind is worth it. Price for the kids may be the same.
Houses were painted with lead also
ASSUME
any house paint before 1990 had lead in it. Again if you can avoid it NO FLAME removal, dry power sanding no no. Plastic drop cloths and all that.
NEVER weld or cut thru paint bearing lead. Sand it back at least one inch better two. It really does not take much to get your daily allowed dose.
Adults will recover from lead but young kids are much more vulnerable - there is no doubt in my mind about that. The most vulnerable are the crawlers - guess where the lead dust falls - they also are known to chew on things.
Lead is a hazardous waste - check with health department for proper disposal. Sometimes your City, county and even the hazardous waste outfits will take household hazardous waste for no or minimum charge.
Dan Bentler
