Lead exposure in a developmentally disabled workforce.
Over-exposure to lead was identified among developmentally disabled workers engage in furniture refinishing at two separate sites. The index case was identified at the first site by a public health nurse assigned to provide care to some of the workers. Referral to a regional occupational health clinic initiated an exposure assessment and medical consultation at both work sites. Blood lead levels (BLLs) among sanders and helpers at site A averaged 60 micrograms per deciliter of blood (mcg/dl). At site B, BLLs were lower, but 6 individuals had BLLs greater than mcg/dl. Hand sanding of chemically stripped wood previously coated with lead-based paint was determined to be the exposure source. These incidents document potential lead overexposure in an underecognized setting. They also emphasize the importance of incorporating a workplace health risk assessment in the process of placing and protecting the developmentally disabled on the job.
Lax
M B
MB
Central New York Occupational Health Clinical Center, Department of Family Medicine, SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse, USA.
Siwinski
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G
D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood*; D009518:New York / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012759:Sheltered Workshops
D004391:Dust; D007854:Lead