I've been watching Salvage Dawgs on the DIY Network.

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/episod...6_1919,00.html

They spent a lot of time repurposing old doors, windows and other woodwork.
They do a lot of sanding of old paint and I have to assume that most of the
paint is lead based.

Aren't there laws that prevent them from sanding these objects in the open
air, especially in a store where the general public, including kids, would
be exposed to the dust?

If they decide not to wear masks, that's up to them, but are they allowed
to expose the general public to the dust?