Safe Lead Levels
OSHA Action Level: The OSHA Action Level (AL) for exposure to airbore lead in general industry and construction is no greater than 30 µg/m3 over an 8-hour period. When this level is reached, the employer must begin specific compliance activities, including blood lead testing for exposed workers.
Permissible Exposure Limit: The OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for exposure to airborne lead is no greater than 50 µg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour period. Employees must not be exposed to lead in concentrations beyond this limit. If employees are exposed to lead for greater than 8 hours, the allowable PEL = 400 divided by number of hours worked in the day.
Blood Lead Level: Measuring blood lead levels (BLL) is the most useful indicator of the amount of lead being absorbed by the body. Although there is NO established safe level of lead exposure, the best way to prevent all forms of lead-related impairments and diseases is to maintain a BLL below 40 ug/100g. Once the blood lead level climbs above 40 ug/100g, the risk of disease increases.
Reproductive Risks
Lead is toxic to both male and female reproductive systems. Lead can alter the structure of sperm cells and there is evidence of miscarriage and stillbirth in women exposed to lead or whose partners have been exposed.
Protecting Children from Lead Poisoning
Children born to parents who were exposed to excess lead levels are more likely to have:
- birth defects,
- an intellectual disability,
- behavioral disorders, or
- die during the first year.
The blood lead levels of workers who intend to have children should be maintained below 30 ug/100g to minimize adverse reproductive health effects to the parents and to the developing fetus.
Workers who desire medical advice about reproductive issues related to lead should contact qualified medical personnel to arrange for a job evaluation and medical follow-up, particularly if they are pregnant or actively seeking to have a child. Employers whose employees may be exposed to lead and who have been contacted by employees with concerns about reproductive issues must make medical examinations and consultations available.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-8. What action must the employer take if an employee who may be exposed to lead expresses concerns about reproductive issues?
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