Skin and Surface Lead Contamination, Hygiene Programs, and Work Practices of Bridge Surface Preparation and Painting Contractors

Abstract

A 2005 regulatory review of the lead in construction standard by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) noted that alternative pathways of exposure can be as significant as inhalation exposure and that noncompliance with the standard pertaining to hygiene facilities and practices was the second most commonly violated section of the standard. Noncompliance with provisions of the standard and unhealthy work and hygiene practices likely increase the likelihood of take-home lead via contaminated clothing, automobiles, and skin, thus contributing to elevated blood lead levels (BLL) among construction workers and their family members. We performed a cross-sectional study of bridge painters working for small contractors in Massachusetts to investigate causes of persistent elevated BLLs and to assess lead exposures. Thirteen work sites were evaluated for a 2-week period during which surface and skin wipe samples were collected and qualitative information was obtained on personal hygiene practices, decontamination and hand wash facilities, and respiratory protection programs. Results showed lead contamination on workers' skin, respirators, personal automobiles, and the decontamination unit, indicating a significant potential for take-home lead exposure. Overall, the geometric mean (GM) skin lead levels ranged from 373 microg on workers' faces at end of shift to 814 microg on hands at break time. The overall GM lead level inside respirators was 143 microg before work and 286 microg after work. Lead contamination was also present inside workers' personal vehicles as well as on surfaces inside the clean side of the decontamination unit. Review of the respiratory protection programs, work site decontamination and hand wash facilities, and personal hygiene practices indicated that these factors had significant impact on skin and surface contamination levels and identified significant opportunities for improving work site facilities and personal practices. Elevated lead exposure and BLL can be minimized by strict adherence to the OSHA provisions for functioning decontamination and hygiene facilities and healthy personal hygiene practices.

Evaluation of Lead Exposure by Hand Wipes: A Review of the Effectiveness of Personal Hygiene on Industrial Sites

“…If this retrospective data is representative of the industrial painting industry, it is likely poor personal hygiene is contributing to the worker's lead body burden, which in turn may explain why elevated blood lead levels have remained constant in the target population. The results of this study support the findings of many other researchers who also found residual lead on workers' hands after handwashing at the conclusion of the workday[7] [8][11] [12]. Furthermore, the findings of this study support the need for improved work practice controls to manage lead exposures.These results have several associated limitations.…”

“…Several studies have also provided evidence to support the proper use of PPE and basic personal hygiene practices in having a measurable impact upon the uptake of lead among workers [7] [9] [10]. There is also a growing body of evidence related to residual lead levels on the hands of workers after washing them at the conclusion of the workday [7] [8] [11] [12].…”

Personal Exposure, Behavior, and Work Site Conditions as Determinants of Blood Lead Among Bridge Painters

“…Details of the sample collection and analysis are reported elsewhere. (18) Briefly, each worker was given two Wash ‘n Dri towelettes to wipe each hand for 30 sec. Hand wipes were collected during the midshift break and at the end of the work shift after workers had reportedly cleaned up.…”

An Unusual Case of Neurogenic Sexual Dysfunction Due to Lead Exposure

“…Occupational exposure to inorganic lead is main features of this unusual case. Lead poisoning in adults primarily results from exposure by inhalation in the workplace [29]. We suspect that this patient suffered from lead poisoning from inhalation of fumes from car radiators and developed autonomic neuropathies which resulted in erectile dysfunction.…”