Elevated blood lead levels among adults in Massachusetts, 1991-1995.
OBJECTIVE
Lead poisoning, the oldest recognized occupational disease, remains a danger for children and adults. Data collected for 664 cases reported to the Massachusetts Occupational Lead Registry in 1991-1995 were summarized in a 1998 state report. Here, the authors present some of the key findings from that report for a wider audience.


METHODS
The authors summarize key findings of the 1998 state report.


RESULTS
Construction workers, in particular licensed deleaders and house painters, accounted for almost 70% of occupational cases involving blood lead levels > or = 40 micrograms of lead per deciliter (mcg/dl) of blood. Among 100 workers with the highest blood lead levels (> or = 60 mcg/dl), 29% were house painters. Hispanic workers were over-represented in the Registry. A small proportion of cases were non-occupational, typically associated with recreational use of firing ranges or do-it-yourself home renovations.


CONCLUSIONS
Lead poisoning is a preventable disease, yet these data indicate that additional prevention efforts are warranted.
Tumpowsky
C M
CM
Occupational Health Surveillance Program, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston 02108, USA. catharine.tumpowsky@state.ma.us
Davis
L K
LK
Rabin
R
R
D000328:Adult; D018563:Disease Notification; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood*; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008404:Massachusetts / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012042:Registries; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
D007854:Lead