What is one strategy to reduce lead dust exposure during work?

Limiting practices that produce dust is a key strategy to reduce lead dust exposure during work. Lead dust can be generated from various tasks, such as sanding or scraping surfaces that contain lead-based paint. By minimizing actions that create dust—such as using alternative methods that do not create airborne particles or utilizing tools designed to minimize dust—workers can significantly decrease the amount of lead dust in the environment. This approach directly addresses the source of contamination, ultimately helping to protect both workers and occupants of the area from lead exposure.

Other strategies, such as performing tasks in concentrated areas, might inadvertently increase dust levels in confined spaces. Keeping waste materials inside a building poses risks of contaminating indoor air and surfaces with lead dust. While using standard construction materials is essential for quality and safety, it does not specifically address the generation of dust or the safe handling of lead hazards. Therefore, limiting dust-producing activities stands out as the most effective approach to reducing lead dust exposure.