Lead
Lead is very toxic and can cause several long-term health problems. Construction workers can be exposed to lead on bridge repair work, lead paint removal on metal structures or buildings or demolition of old buildings with lead paint, or using lead solder.
The frequency and severity of medical symptoms increases with the concentration of lead in the blood. Common symptoms of acute lead poisoning are:
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach cramps
- constipation
- difficulty in sleeping
- fatigue
- moodiness
- headache
- joint or muscle aches
- anemia
Acute health poisoning from uncontrolled occupational exposures has resulted in fatalities. Chronic overexposure to lead may result in severe damage to the central nervous system and reproductive systems.
Check out this short audio clip by Dan Clark of the theSafetyBrief.com that talks about lead hazards and exposure.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-8. If you are experiencing a loss of appetite, anemia, fatigue, or stomach cramps, you could be dealing with _____.
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