At a time when the health hazards of all kinds of construction industry substances are being called into question - substances like drywall dust, lead, silica, and most recently, sawdust - health experts are reminding Hardhats to take extra caution before they give the spouse and kids a hug upon returning home.

"Parents wouldn't take their children to a dangerous workplace, it's equally important that they do not bring the hazards of the workplace home to their families," said National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Director Dr. Linda Rosenstock.

In the first comprehensive study of home lead contamination among construction workers, researchers at NIOSH found that children of lead-exposed construction workers were six times more likely to have blood lead levels over the recommended limit than children whose parents did not work in lead-related industries.

Exposure to toxic materials in the workplace is a concern for families of workers in several industries. Lead is of particular concern for workers with young children since it has been shown to cause a variety of health problems in children, ranging from behavioral disorders to brain damage. The risk to children is particularly high because they frequently put their hands in their mouth thereby increasing their exposure and because their bodies quickly absorb lead into their systems.

The study found that most workers (79%) wore at least some street clothes at work and almost all (91%) washed these clothes at home. The good news was that for whatever reason, 50% of workers reported changing out of work clothes prior to leaving work. In addition, only 18% reported always showering before leaving work.

Here are a few tips to prevent bringing home contaminants:

• OSHA has rules for workers who toil in areas that have hazardous substances over the permissible exposure limit, including protective clothing, mandatory showers, and a change of clothes. But in the vast majority of workplaces, workers are on their own, and should be cognizant about hazardous substances.
• Wash up before leaving work, if possible. Change clothes before heading home, or change them at home away from the rest of the family.
• Wash work clothing separately from the rest of the laundry.
• You might take a shower when you get home after work to clean off the dirt and sweat. Consider showering for another reason: good health.