Depending on where you work in Wisconsin and what your job entails, you may have to handle toxic chemicals and/or materials on a daily basis. While it is bad enough for you to face toxic exposure, it is even worse to think that your family might face it, too. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, take-home toxic exposure remains a major problem in the United States.
Take-home toxic exposure happens when the toxins you come into contact with at work attach themselves to your clothing, shoes, etc. They then go home with you where they can build up on various surfaces, such as your floors, furniture, bedding, air ducts and virtually any other surfaces. Thus your family members become exposed to them, too.
Generally, the four most likely toxins that can accompany you home from work are the following:
- Pesticides
- Asbestos fibers
- Lead
- Beryllium
Lead poisoning in children
Unfortunately, children represent those most susceptible to lead poisoning. Also unfortunately, should your job entail painting, battery or electronics maintenance and replacement, or construction and/or renovation, you face a strong likelihood of bringing home lead toxins. These can negatively impact your children in a variety of ways. In addition, if you or your spouse becomes pregnant, these toxins can likewise damage your unborn child.
Take-home toxic exposure preventative measures
Your best strategy to lessen the likelihood of exposing your family to take-home toxins is to follow the following procedures:
- Whenever possible, wear protective clothing at work.
- If your workplace provides shower facilities, take a shower before leaving work.
- If possible, change from your work clothes and shoes into regular clothing and shoes in your garage and leave your work clothes and shoes there.
- Wash and dry your work clothes separately from other laundry loads.
This is general educational information and not intended to provide legal advice.
