What is the primary method of cleaning lead dust from surfaces?

The primary method for cleaning lead dust from surfaces is vacuuming, particularly when using a specialized HEPA filter vacuum designed for hazardous materials like lead. This method ensures that lead particles are effectively collected and contained, minimizing their dispersion into the air during the cleaning process.

HEPA vacuums are specifically designed to trap very fine particles, which is crucial when dealing with lead dust, as it can be harmful when inhaled or ingested. Vacuuming is less likely to disturb the dust and create more airborne lead particles compared to other methods.

While wet wiping can be effective in certain situations, it may not be as comprehensive as vacuuming, especially when dealing with larger areas or more porous surfaces that can retain lead dust. Dry sweeping is generally not recommended because it can stir up dust into the air. Steam cleaning might help with some types of dirt or staining but is not typically considered a reliable method for thoroughly removing lead dust.