Lead Basics
What is Lead?
Lead is a toxic metal that is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth's crust. It can be combined with other metals to produce alloys that pose a serious health risk.
Overview of Lead & Health Effects
Lead and lead alloys are often used to make batteries, ammunition, and other metal products. Below is a description of the characteristics, uses, and exposure limits for lead:
- Substance: Pure lead (Pb) is a heavy metal at room temperature and pressure and is a basic chemical element. It can combine with various other substances to form numerous lead compounds.
- Definition: "Lead" when used in this course means elemental lead, all inorganic lead compounds and a class of organic lead compounds called lead soaps. The standard does not apply to other organic lead compounds.
- Uses: Exposure to lead occurs in at least 120 different occupations, including primary and secondary lead smelting, lead storage battery manufacturing, lead pigment manufacturing and use, solder manufacturing and use, shipbuilding and ship repairing, auto manufacturing, and printing. Since 1978, lead has not been allowed in house paint due to health concerns.
- Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): The permissible exposure limit (PEL) is a legal limit for exposure of an employee to a chemical substance or physical agent. The PEL set at 50 micrograms of lead per cubic meter of air (50 ug/m(3))averaged over an 8-hour workday.
- Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): The NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for lead is a Time Weighted Average of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³) over 8-hours.
- Action Level: The standard establishes an action level of 30 micrograms per cubic meter of air (30 ug/m³), time weighted average, based on an 8-hour work-day. The action level initiates several requirements of the standard, such as exposure monitoring, medical surveillance, and training and education.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-1. The OSHA PEL for lead is set at ____ µg/m³ averaged over an 8-hour workday.
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