What should employees do with their street clothes to minimize lead exposure?

Storing street clothes in a clean place is essential for minimizing lead exposure. When working in environments where lead is present, such as during lead abatement activities, it is critical to prevent cross-contamination. If street clothes are kept in a clean area, away from lead dust or debris, it reduces the risk of bringing lead particles home or exposing others to these harmful substances.

Keeping street clothes in a designated clean area prevents them from picking up lead contaminants present in work environments. If employees were to wear their street clothes during work tasks, they would likely become contaminated. Storing clothing in an unclean area or in a work vehicle also poses a risk, as these places can harbor lead dust, which can transfer to the clothing and subsequently be taken into homes or other locations. Thus, the best practice involves storing street clothes in a clean, designated location to mitigate lead exposure effectively.