Are Low Levels of Lead (PB) in Your System Bad for You?
For years health providers, regulators, employers and industrial hygienists have worked together to reduce lead exposure. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) set the level of concern in children at 10ug/Dl (in blood). OSHA, on the other hand, set the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for construction workers at 50ug/Dl. On October 14, 2011, the US Department of Health and Human Services’ National Toxicology Program issued a draft report that may change the way we think about lead exposure.
Study Highlights
This study is the first of its kind. Researchers investigated the effects low lead blood levels have on adults, children and prenatal fetuses. Based on the study results:
- Children with less than 5 ug Lead per deciliter blood have decreased academic achievement, increased incidences of ADHD and increased behavior problems. However, there is limited evidence that a prenatal fetus with less than 5ug Lead per deciliter blood has a decrease cognitive function
- Less than 10ug Lead per deciliter blood reportedly correlates to psychological effects, decreased hearing, decreased cognitive function and other neurological effects in adults. At this same level, adults may also experience increased blood pressure, increased hypertension and cardiovascular-related mortality.
Click here to read the full report.
What can we do about it?
It is simple to limit Lead exposure. Construction and maintenance workers use safe work practices to limit lead exposure. These work practices include working wet, cleaning up, using a HEPA vacuum and using the right respirator.
Industrial hygiene consultants assess potential tenant and worker exposure issues. Industrial Hygienists can write and help your company implement a proactive worker health and safety program. RGA also provides lead awareness and lead renovator training for your staff. Lead awareness and a few simple steps will help protect you, your works and their families.
Ethel “Cookie” Kaufman, Trainer – Seattle, WA
Andre Zwanenburg, Trainer – Seattle, WA
Tags: Childhood Lead Poisoning, health and safety program, lead awareness, lead exposure, lead prevention, Lead Renovator, permissible exposure limit (PEL), worker exposure