Recommendations for medical management of adult lead exposure.

Research conducted in recent years has increased public health concern about the toxicity of lead at low dose and has supported a reappraisal of the levels of lead exposure that may be safely tolerated in the workplace. In this article, which appears as part of a mini-monograph on adult lead exposure, we summarize a body of published literature that establishes the potential for hypertension, effects on renal function, cognitive dysfunction, and adverse female reproductive outcome in adults with whole-blood lead concentrations < 40 microg/dL. Based on this literature, and our collective experience in evaluating lead-exposed adults, we recommend that individuals be removed from occupational lead exposure if a single blood lead concentration exceeds 30 microg/dL or if two successive blood lead concentrations measured over a 4-week interval are > or = 20 microg/dL.

Severe lead poisoning in the plastics industry: a report of three cases.

Background: Lead stabilizers (e.g., lead sulfate, lead stearate) are common additives in plastics used in electrical devices.

Results of an intervention to improve lead safety among painting contractors and their employees.

Background: Residential and commercial painters disturb lead paint on older buildings, exposing workers and potentially building occupants. An intervention strategy was evaluated for improving lead safety in these small businesses.

Methods: Twenty-one painting contractors received 32 hr of training, technical assistance, and a safety manual; their employees attended an 8-hr training session.

Medical surveillance of the lead exposed worker. Current guidelines.

1. The "lead standards" established by OSHA for general industry in 1978 and the construction industry in 1993 require employers and clinicians to follow very specific guidelines for protecting lead exposed workers. Depending on the level of exposure, medical surveillance may be legally required.