Lead

Lead is a poison that builds up in your body over time. It damages the brain, nerves, kidneys, blood and reproductive system, and workers can carry it home to their children.

• Construction
• General Industry

Where lead exposure happens

• Sanding, scraping, grinding or heat-stripping lead paint (common in buildings before 1978 and on steel structures and bridges)
• Torch cutting or welding painted steel
• Abrasive blasting of lead coatings
• Demolition of older structures
• Plumbing work with old lead pipe and solder, and radiator repair
• Firing ranges, battery recycling and some manufacturing

Symptoms

Often none at first. Later: headaches, tiredness, irritability, stomach pain, joint pain, memory problems, and fertility problems. A blood lead test is the only way to know your level.

The OSHA lead rule in brief

• Permissible exposure limit: 50 micrograms per cubic meter (8-hour average); action level 30.
• For high-risk tasks, employers must protect workers as if exposures are high until monitoring shows otherwise.
• Blood lead testing and medical surveillance for exposed workers, and medical removal if blood levels get too high.

Protect yourself and your family

• Use wet methods, HEPA vacuums and containment.
• Wear the respirator and protective clothing required.
• Wash hands and face before eating, drinking or smoking, and don’t do any of those in the work area.
• Change clothes and shoes before going home. Keep work clothes separate and wash them separately.
• Shower at the end of the shift if facilities are provided.
• Ask about blood lead testing.

Last updated: October 1, 2026