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Lead Exposure
Lead (a metal) is toxic and carcinogenic and can adversely affect numerous body systems and causes forms of health impairment and disease that arise after periods of exposure as short as days (acute exposure) or as long as several years (chronic exposure).
Fortunately, the latest report from the CDC shows an overall decline in national rates of elevated lead levels (BLL) among state residents plus nonresidents from 14.0 in 1994 to 7.8 in 2007 has been observed. But, there is still a risk of being exposed to unsafe levels of lead. Industry subsectors with the highest numbers of lead-exposed workers were manufacturing of storage batteries, mining of lead and zinc ores, and painting and paper hanging.
Exposure to lead can occur when lead dust or fumes are inhaled, or when lead is ingested via contaminated hands, food, water, cigarettes or clothing. Common symptoms of acute lead poisoning can include:
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach cramps
- constipation
- difficulty in sleeping
- fatique
- moodiness
- headache
- joint or muscle aches
- anemia
- decreased sexual drive.
Lead exposure may effect the following body systems or areas:
Neurological Effects
Gastrointestinal Effects
Reproductive Effects
Renal Effects
One thing is for certain, exposure and long term exposure to lead can be hazardous to your health.
SOURCES OF LEAD EXPOSURE
The following jobs or occupations may be susceptible to lead exposure:
- Construction workers
- Steel welders
- Bridge reconstruction workers
- Firing range instructors and cleaners
- Painters
- Remodelers and refinishers
- Foundry workers
- Scrap metal recyclers
- Auto repairers<
- Cable splicers
- Paper hangers
- Storage battery manufacturing
- Mining of lead and zinc ores
Please navigate to the links below to find more information on a variety of topics and what you can do to protect your legal rights or contact us.
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