occupational lead poisoning prevention program

California Lead Legislation and Regulations

The California State Legislature creates legislation (laws) through the passage of Assembly or Senate bills. Regulations, also referred to as "standards," are the details and requirements for a given law. Health standards are proposed by State agencies, such as the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) in the California Department of Industrial Relations, through a rulemaking process. Although Cal/OSHA proposes health regulations (and enforces health and safety regulations), they are passed by the California Occupational Safety and Health Board whose members are appointed by the Governor.

Cal/OSHA Occupational Lead Standards – Updated and Revised

Standards Cal-OSHA Logo.jpg On January 1, 2025, Cal/OSHA enacted revised occupational lead standards for the construction industry and general industry.

The previous standards were based on lead toxicity information that is over 40 years old. More current medical information clearly demonstrated the harmful effects of chronic and low-level exposures to lead in adults, at levels well below those allowed by the standards. The previous standards:

Failed to detect low levels of lead poisoning.
Allowed airborne lead exposures that can lead to high blood lead levels.
Allowed lead levels that can result in serious illness and death, primarily from cardiovascular disease.

Blood lead levels (BLLs) are affected by exposure via inhalation of airborne lead and by swallowing lead dust, fumes or mist. Even low levels of lead in the body can cause damage.

To protect workers, Cal/OSHA set a BLL goal of < 10 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) for most workers with occupational exposure to lead. To meet this goal, the Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) was reduced to 10 µg/m³, and the Action Level (AL) to 2 µg/m³. Exposure monitoring must be conducted to determine airborne lead levels at each worksite.