Prevalence of elevated blood leads and exposure to lead in construction trades in Iowa and Illinois

Skin and Surface Lead Contamination, Hygiene Programs, and Work Practices of Bridge Surface Preparation and Painting Contractors

“…In a study of construction tradesmen working on projects with potential lead exposure, Reynolds et al (4) observed that only 19% of the workers reported wearing coveralls; 19% reported using changing facilities; 61% reported using hands/face washing facilities; 15% reported using showers, 39% reported eating at a separate facility; 8-64% reported washing before eating, drinking, or smoking; 36% reported smoking; and 25% reported biting their nails.…”

“…Reynolds et al (4) evaluated work habits of construction workers through questionnaires and found a high percentage of construction workers (88%) reporting respirator use, but only 20% with potential lead exposure were fit tested. Johnson and colleagues (18) also found an absence of respirator programs, infrequent maintenance and cleaning of the respirators, and respirators left uncovered between tasks.…”

“…(8) Since the implementation of this standard, a number of studies have reported significant declines in blood lead levels (BLL) for some construction trades; (9,10) however, elevated BLLs (defined as BLL >25 µg/dL) continue to occur among workers in the construction industry, particularly among laborers, painters, and deleaders who frequently report BLLs >40 µg/dL. (4,5,10,11) Consistent with the nationwide trend, the Massachusetts Occupational Lead Registry reported a 48% decline in cases of BLL >40 µg/dL from the period 1996 to 2001, yet in 2001, construction painters and deleaders constituted 77% of the workers with BLL >40 µg/dL. (10) In 2005, OSHA conducted a regulatory review of the lead in construction standard and concluded that retention of the standard was necessary for continued worker protection, especially for bridge painters and deleaders who can experience high lead exposures and blood lead levels.…”

Chronic Ayurvedic medicine use associated with major and fatal congenital abnormalities

“…Automobile battery manufacturing and lead battery re covery industries pose the highest risks although workers in the construction trades can also have significant exposures to lead (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2007;Fletcher et al 1999). Laborers and painters have been found to have higher BLLs than other construction trade groups such as plumbers and electricians (Reynold et al 1999). Construction work that is associated with higher BLLs includes bridge renovation; resi dential remodeling; and activities such as welding, cutting, and rivet busting (Reynold et al 1999 1993).…”

“…Laborers and painters have been found to have higher BLLs than other construction trade groups such as plumbers and electricians (Reynold et al 1999). Construction work that is associated with higher BLLs includes bridge renovation; resi dential remodeling; and activities such as welding, cutting, and rivet busting (Reynold et al 1999 1993). Currently, under the OSHA standards, a worker must be included in a lead medical surveillance program if he/she is exposed to airborne lead levels of 30 µg/m3 or higher (8-hour time-weighted average) for more than 30 days per year.…”