Many of Dunedin's old houses contain lead-based paint and removing it can be dangerous.
Many people with lead poisoning will have either vague symptoms or none at all, but in extreme cases, it can lead to brain damage or death.
Young children who may swallow lead flakes when playing outside are especially at risk.
Contaminated soil can also be brought indoors by animals or on people's clothes and shoes.
The Ministry of Health says if a house was built or repainted before about 1970, it is best to assume that the paintwork is lead-based unless a test shows that it is not.
Test kits are available at hardware stores or homeowners can take a flake of paint, about the size of a $2 coin, to Public Health South at Wakari Hospital, for free testing.
When removing lead-based paint from the outside of your home, take the following precautions:
• Close all windows and doors to prevent contamination inside.
• Collect all paint debris on a groundsheet.
• Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Wear a hat or cover your hair. Wear a good quality, properly-fitted toxic dust respirator when sanding, making dust, or burning off lead-based paint.
• Do not smoke as the hand-to-mouth contact may increase the risk of eating or inhaling lead-paint dust.
• Clean the area around the groundsheet with a vacuum cleaner and dispose of the contents immediately. After sanding, wet-wipe surfaces to remove dust and then use a commercial vacuum cleaner fitted with a high-efficiency dust filter.
• Wrap up all paint debris securely. Small amounts that have been allowed to dry out can be put out with the household refuse collection or taken to the landfill. If in doubt, check with your local council. Do not burn paint debris.
• Wash your face and hands carefully before eating or smoking and change out of contaminated overalls (especially if dry-sanding) when not actually working. Wash contaminated clothes separately.
• For more information, contact the health protection officer at your local public health unit.
