SAFETY TRAINING LEAD AWARENESS

TOPICS COVERED Properties of lead Uses of lead Health hazards of lead Activities resulting in potential lead exposure Where to get more information and help

WHAT IS LEAD? Pure Lead is a chemical element (Pb) and a heavy metal at room temperature. Can combine with various other substances making many lead compounds. Exposures in a variety of jobs, over 120 occupations affected.

HISTORICAL USE Because lead based paints provide a thick, heavy, tough coating, one that does not crack through wear or temperature variations, and the chemical nature of lead causes it to provide corrosion resistance as well. Even though banned in 1978, lead paint layers are still found in many structures built before 1980.

EXPOSURE Three main types: Environmental Consumer products Occupational

LEAD CONTAINING MATERIALS Costume jewelry and ceramics – many brands, but especially those made outside the U.S. are suspect Crayons made in China Toys Lead-acid batteries used in automobiles Roofing materials, linoleum, grease, putty And the #1 lead containing material…Lead Based Paint

LEAD PAINT In 1973 the definition of lead based paint was changed to be any paint containing greater than 0.5% lead by weight (5,000 ppm). In 1978 the Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC banned the sale of lead based paint; paint with lead concentrations greater than 0.06% by weight; (600 ppm) to consumers and the use of lead based paint in residences and other areas where consumers have direct access to painted surfaces.

OTHER LEAD BUILDING MATERIALS Metal Roofing, Flashings, Rain Gutters, sewer pipe vents, decorative plasters, putty and caulking.

LEAD USES

Lead is still used for radiation shielding in industrial and medical settings.

Some rigid Vinyl mini-blinds, toys and plastic products contain lead as a stabilizer. Ceramic glazing of dishes in the past contained lead. Lead can still be found in some third world imported dishes. LEAD USES

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES TO LEAD Environmental lead exposures are those that occur outside the workplace. Airborne lead, resulting from either auto emissions or industrial sources, represents an important source of this exposure.

Until leaded gas was banned in the late 1970s, auto exhaust was one of the major contributors to childhood lead poisoning. Today, soil near major roads remains contaminated from decades of auto exhaust.

LEAD IN DRINKING WATER Lead-contaminated drinking water also contributes to the level of exposure.

CUSTODIAL/LIGHT MAINTENANCE WORK Paint issues of concern:  Chipping  Peeling  Paint dust Activities of concern:  Sweeping  Sanding  Cleaning Housekeeping and building maintenance activities may expose workers to lead based paint or lead dust. debris on floor

HOW CAN YOU BE EXPOSED? Inhalation Breathing lead dust in workplace air Largest source of workplace exposure Ingestion Consumption through lead contamination on food, drink, cigarettes, lip balm etc… Wash hands thoroughly when done working with lead.

SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE TO HIGH LEVELS OF LEAD Lead gets into your bloodstream. Lead is stored by tissues, organs, bones, teeth. High doses can kill in a matter of days! Seizures Coma Heart Attack Death

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF LOWER LEAD EXPOSURE Often cited

HOW TO AVOID EXPOSURE Drill Hammer Cut Saw Break Damage Move Disturb Never…...any lead-containing materials or suspected materials.

HOW TO AVOID EXPOSURE Replace old plumbing pipes, joints and fixtures. Run water for at least 5 minutes every morning before using for drinking, teeth brushing, etc.;

CUSTODIAL/LIGHT MAINTENANCE WORK Drill or cut into painted surfaces or plastic materials Sand painted surfaces Hammer materials containing lead or suspected of containing lead DO NOT: Dry dust or sweep surfaces, ceilings, walls, or floors

CUSTODIAL/LIGHT MAINTENANCE WORK Wet mop floors DO: Dust with a damp cloth

AVOIDING EXPOSURE By knowing where lead is likely to be located and then taking measures not to disturb it, you will protect yourself and others from exposure to this hazardous substance.

FURTHER INFORMATION  Housing and Urban Development – OSHA – lead webpageOSHA  Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Protection Agency lead webpage

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?