Around a decade or so ago, lead poisoning in the workplace and at home became a common problem in the United States. Thus, as early as 1991, the United States government began issuing regulations concerning lead exposure for children and for adults at work. These regulations are strictly enforced, especially in industrial companies where occupational lead poisoning is more common. The problem with lead poisoning among adults is that the condition does not show any symptoms until the exposure has become severe enough. In that case, high levels of lead can already be found in the blood of the person affected and it may be possible that the damage done has already become irreparable. So that you can prevent occupational lead poisoning, you need to be informed of how it happens and how you can deal with it. Risk Factors for Occupational Lead Poisoning Generally, people who live or work in old buildings that have not been fully renovated or in new buildings that are less than five years old are at risk for lead poisoning. 1. Buildings built before the 1970s would have been coated with lead paint and have been installed with a plumbing system that makes use of lead pipes. 2. Buildings less than five years old would have been installed with a plumbing system that makes use of copper pipes. However, these copper pipes may have been soldered with lead, and it takes at least five years for mineral deposits in water to coat the lead solder and prevent contamination. People who work with lead are more at risk for occupational lead poisoning. Your lead exposure is elevated if you work in one of the following professions: 1. Painting, renovation works or remodeling 2. Repairing automotive vehicles 3. Making ceramics 4. Foundries and scrap metal 5. Constructing and repairing roads and bridges 6. Making jewelry 7. Demolition crews You are also highly likely to be exposed to lead if you engage in hobbies and activities such as making fishing sinkers, making bullets for use in indoor firing ranges, repairing boats, making homemade ceramics or jewelry, and remodeling furniture. Signs and Effects of Occupational Lead Poisoning As mentioned above, lead poisoning is often asymptomatic, meaning it does not show any signs or symptoms until it is too late. However, it can nonetheless leave some clues. You may be experiencing some level of lead poisoning if you have a combination of the following symptoms: - Tiredness - Difficulty in sleeping - Difficulty in focusing - Short temper - Headaches - Constipation - Nausea - Lack of appetite - Stomach pains - Weight loss If left untreated, lead poisoning can cause damage to the brain, the nervous system, the eyes, the digestive system, and the kidneys. Adults with high levels of lead in their system can also become impotent or infertile, experience high blood pressure, and become anemic. Employees’ Rights Regarding Occupational Lead Poisoning If you work with lead as part of your job, you need to know your rights as well as your employer’s responsibility when it comes to preventing lead poisoning in the workplace. In the first place, your employer is required by law to inform you of the government’s Lead Standard as well as the results of the air monitoring at work. More importantly, your employer should instigate a medical surveillance program. This is supposed to monitor and evaluate employees for possible lead exposure through blood tests or saliva lead test, medical exams particularly geared for lead exposure, and treatment when needed. If you are diagnosed to have gotten occupational lead poisoning, it is your employer’s responsibility to get you treated as well as to transfer you to another job within the company without losing any salaries due or benefits.
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