Details - Public Health Image Library(PHIL)

ID#:

11459

Description:

Caption:
When renovating a home, you should use a damp sponge, or cloth, to clean dust collected on a window sill, as the dust may contain asbestos, or lead-based paint. Home maintenance is an ongoing process for any homeowner, and here we see an African-American woman who’d preparing a window in her home for a general cleaning, and with her gloved hand, had begun to remove settled particulates using a damp sponge.
Additional Information:
Airborne particulates including dust and pollen, should be removed from the inside of one’s home, as much as possible, thereby, reducing the detrimental effects these substances have upon the respiratory system, sometimes resulting in sinus infections, and asthma. When cleaning windows, or when involved in activities that result in propagation of airborne irritants, personal protective equipment should be worn, including a facial respirator, goggles, gloves, and if need be, knee pads, as well as clothing appropriate for the activity. Also using a damp dusting, or mopping technique, reduces airborne particulates. These activities should be conducted in a well-ventilated area.

Keywords: Fresh air; Ventilation; Damp sponge; Damp dusting; Asthma levels; Respiratory diseases; Respiratory illnesses; Bad air days; remodeling; Wet mopping; Radiator; Black; Back Safety; Chinese drywall; Renovations of older homes; Environmental Health, NCEH