Ways to prevent exposure to lead in paint

Clean up loose paint chips right away

Wipe off loose paint using damp cloths or rags that you throw away after using

Block access to chipping paint with furniture

Put contact paper over chipping paint

Hose off the porch or put down a blanket or rug where children play

Seal or block off areas with small amounts of chipping paint

Do not use unsafe ways of removing paint:

- Do not sand off paint without a HEPA (a special type of filter) attachment

- Do not burn off paint with an open flame

- Do not use chemicals to remove paint

When hiring contractors to remove lead paint, use only people who are "certified abatement contractors"

Make sure family and belongings (such as cushioned furniture) are protected during lead removal (called "abatement")

Adapted from: Environmental Protection Agency. Additional information available at: http://www.epa.gov/lead/.

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