What is Lead? Where is it Found? Chapter 1 Lead Abatement for Workers Course

2 Learning Objectives u In this section you will learn: ü What lead is ü Why lead was used ü Where lead is found today ü How you can be exposed to lead ü About the lead paint problem in the U.S.

3 What is Lead? u Lead is a heavy, soft, flexible, blue-gray metal u The chemical symbol for lead is Pb

7 Lead-based paint is... Paint, varnish, shellac, or other coating on surfaces that contain 1.0 mg/cm 2 or more of lead or 0.5% (5,000 ppm) or more lead by weight.

8 Why was lead used? u It prevents corrosion u It kills mold and mildew u It is easy to shape u It is strong u It blocks radiation u It blocks sound u It helps paint dry faster u It adds color to and brightens paint

9 Where is lead found? u Paint u Dust u Air u Soil u Gasoline u Industrial releases u Food u Water u Hobbies u Other

10 How You Can Be Exposed u Lead dust particles, not even visible to the eye, can be breathed or swallowed u Touching surfaces covered with lead dust may result in eating the dust u Children are especially at risk for lead poisoning because they often put their fingers into their mouths u Symptoms of lead poisoning are the same as other common illnesses

13 Jobs and Hobbies with Lead Exposure u Jobs ü Construction trades (e.g., lead abatement workers, carpenters, plumbers, remodelers/renovators, painters, etc.) ü Industrial trades (e.g., lead miners, lead smelter workers, lead crystal makers, etc.) ü Other trades (e.g., firing range employees, police officers, artists, car mechanics, printers, etc.)

14 The Lead Problem in the U.S. u About 38 million homes contain lead- based paint ü 87% of homes built before 1940 ü 24% of homes built between u Paint containing more than 0.06% lead cannot be used in homes, on furniture, or on toys

17 For More Information u Many resources are available ü Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home ü Home Water Treatment Units: Filtering Fact From Fiction ü Lead Paint Safety: A Field Guide for Painting, Home Maintenance, and Renovation Work ü Toxics Information Series on Lead u Other resources