Lead on​​ the Jo​b

Most adults with ​lead in their bodies are exposed to lead on the job. Lead can cause serious and permanent health problems.​ Even low levels of lead in the body can cause damage. It is important for workers and employers to do everything they can to lower the amount of lead in the workplace.

​These jobs, hobbies, and other sources c​an expose you t​o lead.​​​​

How does lead get in the​ body?

There are two main ways to get lead in your body:

• Breathing in lead dust, mist, or fumes.
• Swallowing lead that gets on hands, food, cigarettes, or other things that you put in your mouth.

Health Dangers and Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

Lead can affect many parts of your body.

A. Bra​in

• Thinking, learning, and memory problems
• Bad mood
  
• Depression
• Tiredness
• Headache

B. Heart, Blood Vessels

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• High blood pressure

C. Digestive System

• Stomach pain
  
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

D. Kidneys

• ​Kidney damage
  
• Kidney failure

E. Nerves

• Pain
• Numbness/tingling
• Weakness​

Some effects​ of lead poisoning cannot be felt, like high blood pressure and kidney damage.

Lead ca​n also:

• Reduce a man's sperm count, making it harder to get a woman pregnant.
• Increase the chance of a woman having a miscarriage or stillbirth.
• Damage the brain and nervous system of your baby before and after it is born, causing slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems.

Even if you feel fine, lead c​a​​​​​n harm your​ health

​​Health problems ​​caused by exposure to lead:

• Can be permanent.
• May not show up for many years​​.
  
• Can occur even at low levels of lead​ exposure.

How much lead is in your blood​?

A blood test will measure how much lead is in your blood. If you are exposed to lead at work, your employer may be required to have your blood lead level (BLL) tested.

How to Lower Your Blood Lead Level

The best way to lower your BLL is to reduce or stop your exposure to lead at work. This gives your body time to clear lead from your blood.

Medic​​al Removal Protection​

Lead in blood is measured in micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL​). When a worker has one BLL test at or above 30 µg/dL, or two BLL tests at or above 20 µg/dL taken one month apart, the employer is required to transfer that worker to a job free from lead exposure, or take the worker off the job. The worker must stay away from lead work until the worker's BLL falls to 15 µg/dL or lower in two BLL tests taken 30 days apart. Medical Removal Protection is ordered by a doctor. Workers on Medical Removal Protection receive their full salary and benefits. ​

​Your employer is required by law to protect you at work

If your employer is not protecting you from exposure to lead at work, contact your union representative or ​​your local Cal OSHA Enforcement Office​.​​​​​