Clinical evaluation and management of lead-exposed construction workers.
An estimated one million construction workers are currently occupationally exposed to lead. Until 1993, construction workers were not offered the protections of OSHA's 1978 standard for lead exposure in industrial activities. Preventing exposure to lead in the construction setting presents many challenges, given the rapidly and frequently changing work environment. This article reviews the adverse effects of lead on human health and presents an approach to the diagnosis, management, and prevention of lead-related illness. The medical aspects of the 1993 OSHA standard for lead in construction are described.
Levin
S M
SM
Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. stephen.levin@mountsinai.org
Goldberg
M
M
D000042:Absorption; D003252:Construction Materials / Q000009:adverse effects; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012307:Risk Factors; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence
D007854:Lead