Lead Exposure in Radiator Repair Workers: A Survey of Washington State Radiator Repair Shops and Review of Occupational Lead Exposure Registry Data

Abstract

Radiator repair workers in Washington State have the greatest number of very elevated (> or =60 microg/dL) blood lead levels of any other worker population. The goals of this study were to determine the number of radiator repair workers potentially exposed to lead; estimate the extent of blood lead data underreporting to the Occupational Lead Exposure Registry; describe current safety and health practices in radiator repair shops; and determine appropriate intervention strategies to reduce exposure and increase employer and worker awareness. Lead exposure in Washington State's radiator repair workers was assessed by reviewing Registry data and conducting a statewide survey of radiator repair businesses. This study revealed that a total of 226 workers in Washington State (including owner-operators and all employees) conduct repair activities that could potentially result in excessive exposures to lead. Approximately 26% of radiator repair workers with elevated blood lead levels (> or =25 microg/dL) were determined to report to Washington State's Registry. This study also revealed a lack of awareness of lead's health effects, appropriate industrial hygiene controls, and the requirements of the Lead Standard. Survey respondents requested information on a variety of workplace health and safety issues and waste management; 80% requested a confidential, free-of-charge consultation. Combining data derived from an occupational health surveillance system and a statewide mail survey proved effective at characterizing lead exposures and directing public health intervention in Washington State.

Occupational Lead Exposure: Blood Lead Levels of Apprentices in Bursa, Turkey

“…There are several surveys showing that people who work in lead-related industries have higher blood lead levels than other people [16][17][18][19] . This is an expected condi- tion.…”

Mean Blood Lead Level in Iranian Workers: A Systematic and Meta-Analysis

“…Nowadays, exposure to lead is considered a public and occupational health issue in the world (3). Lead poisoning is an increasing concern, particularly in developing countries, as a result of rapid urbanization, leaded fuels, and industrial pollutions (2).…”

“…Lead is in no way useful in human body and any amount of this element is harmful to our body (3). Known complications of long-term exposure to lead include hypertension, toxicity of kidney nephrons, cardiovascular disorders, hemoglobin disorder, cognitive disorders, memory loss and malignity of stomach, lung, and bladder (5-7).…”

Characteristics of US workers whose blood lead levels trigger the medical removal protection provision, and conformity with biological monitoring requirements, 2003–2005

“…If medically removed, the worker must have blood lead testing performed at least monthly during the removal period. A limited number of studies confined to a specific industry [Jarrett, 2003;Whittaker, 2003] or state of residence [Tumpowsky et al, 2000;Vork et al, 2001; Anderson and Islam, 2006] have reported the distribution of adult BLLs including cases of BLLs !60 mg/dl. To the best of our knowledge, no study has reported the national distribution of workers with BLLs requiring medical removal, nor the level of adherence to OSHA standards once medical removal criteria are met.…”

“…2000; Vork et al, 2001;Whittaker, 2003;Anderson and Islam, 2006]. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lead standards for General Industry (CFR 1910(CFR .1025 and Construction (CFR 1926.62), if a periodic and a follow-up blood sampling test indicate that the worker's blood lead level (BLL) is !60 mg/dl (or !50 mg/dl for construction), or the average BLL of all tests over a 6-month period (or if there are less than 3 tests over a 6-month period, the average of three consecutive tests) is !50 mg/dl, workers must be removed immediately from further exposure.…”