| Around a decade or so ago, lead poisoning in the | | | | homemade ceramics or jewelry, and remodeling |
| workplace and at home became a common | | | | furniture. |
| problem in the United States. Thus, as early as | | | | Signs and Effects of Occupational Lead Poisoning |
| 1991, the United States government began issuing | | | | As mentioned above, lead poisoning is often |
| regulations concerning lead exposure for children | | | | asymptomatic, meaning it does not show any |
| and for adults at work. These regulations are | | | | signs or symptoms until it is too late. However, it |
| strictly enforced, especially in industrial companies | | | | can nonetheless leave some clues. |
| where occupational lead poisoning is more | | | | You may be experiencing some level of lead |
| common. | | | | poisoning if you have a combination of the |
| The problem with lead poisoning among adults is | | | | following symptoms: |
| that the condition does not show any symptoms | | | | - Tiredness |
| until the exposure has become severe enough. In | | | | - Difficulty in sleeping |
| that case, high levels of lead can already be found | | | | - Difficulty in focusing |
| in the blood of the person affected and it may be | | | | - Short temper |
| possible that the damage done has already | | | | - Headaches |
| become irreparable. | | | | - Constipation |
| So that you can prevent occupational lead | | | | - Nausea |
| poisoning, you need to be informed of how it | | | | - Lack of appetite |
| happens and how you can deal with it. | | | | - Stomach pains |
| Risk Factors for Occupational Lead Poisoning | | | | - Weight loss |
| Generally, people who live or work in old buildings | | | | If left untreated, lead poisoning can cause damage |
| that have not been fully renovated or in new | | | | to the brain, the nervous system, the eyes, the |
| buildings that are less than five years old are at | | | | digestive system, and the kidneys. Adults with |
| risk for lead poisoning. | | | | high levels of lead in their system can also |
| 1. Buildings built before the 1970s would have been | | | | become impotent or infertile, experience high |
| coated with lead paint and have been installed with | | | | blood pressure, and become anemic. |
| a plumbing system that makes use of lead pipes. | | | | Employees' Rights Regarding Occupational Lead |
| 2. Buildings less than five years old would have | | | | Poisoning |
| been installed with a plumbing system that makes | | | | If you work with lead as part of your job, you |
| use of copper pipes. However, these copper pipes | | | | need to know your rights as well as your |
| may have been soldered with lead, and it takes at | | | | employer's responsibility when it comes to |
| least five years for mineral deposits in water to | | | | preventing lead poisoning in the workplace. In the |
| coat the lead solder and prevent contamination. | | | | first place, your employer is required by law to |
| People who work with lead are more at risk for | | | | inform you of the government's Lead Standard |
| occupational lead poisoning. Your lead exposure is | | | | as well as the results of the air monitoring at |
| elevated if you work in one of the following | | | | work. |
| professions: | | | | More importantly, your employer should instigate |
| 1. Painting, renovation works or remodeling | | | | a medical surveillance program. This is supposed |
| 2. Repairing automotive vehicles | | | | to monitor and evaluate employees for possible |
| 3. Making ceramics | | | | lead exposure through blood tests or Saliva Lead |
| 4. Foundries and scrap metal | | | | Test, medical exams particularly geared for lead |
| 5. Constructing and repairing roads and bridges | | | | exposure, and treatment when needed. |
| 6. Making jewelry | | | | If you are diagnosed to have gotten occupational |
| 7. Demolition crews | | | | lead poisoning, it is your employer's responsibility |
| You are also highly likely to be exposed to lead if | | | | to get you treated as well as to transfer you to |
| you engage in hobbies and activities such as | | | | another job within the company without losing any |
| making fishing sinkers, making bullets for use in | | | | salaries due or benefits. |
| indoor firing ranges, repairing boats, making | | | | |