Recommendations for improving the Cal/OSHA Lead Standards
The Cal/OSHA lead standards are based on lead toxicity information that is now over 30 years old. Current medical information clearly demonstrates harmful effects of chronic and low-level exposures to lead in adults, levels well below those currently allowed by the standards.
The CDPH Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (OLPPP) has reviewed the scientific information and made health-based recommendations to Cal/OSHA for revising its General Industry Lead Standard and Lead in Construction Standard for the protection of workers who are exposed to lead on the job. CDPH is currently participating in the Cal/OSHA (Division of Occupational Safety and Health) Advisory Committee process for revising the Lead Standards.
CDPH/OLPPP Recommendations for Cal/OSHA Lead Standard Revisions
For more information on newly recognized hazards of lead in adults/workers
National Toxicology Program (NTP) Monograph On Health Effects Of Low-Level Lead – technical report produced by the NTP Office of Health Assessment and Translation, June 2012. This office conducts toxicology testing of chemicals and other substances in the laboratory to determine whether exposure to these chemicals in the environment might pose adverse health risks to humans.
Recommendations for Medical Management of Adult Lead Exposure (PDF)
– 2007 journal article
Indecent Exposure: Lead Puts Workers and Families at Risk (PDF) – UC Berkeley Health Research for Action, 2009
-----------------------------------
For information on the Cal/OSHA (California Division of Occupational Safety and Health) meetings regarding proposed changes to the Lead Standards visit:
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/DoshReg/5198Meetings.htm
Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Program home page
Occupational Health Branch home page