Window renovation and exposure to lead--an observational study.
BACKGROUND
Renovation of windows in old houses has recently established itself as an industry. A recognizable occupational lead exposure exists, which has not been studied previously.


OBJECTIVE
To compare lead exposure amongst window renovators with other groups of lead-exposed workers.


METHODS
Using blood lead results measured at the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL), Sheffield, comparisons were made between three cohorts: window renovation workers, all male workers monitored by HSL during the period 1999-2001 and 63 male subjects involved in chemical paint-stripping of wood.


RESULTS
Both the window renovation and the wood-stripping cohorts show significantly higher blood lead distributions than the 'all workers' cohort (P < 0.001). A similar pattern was also found for comparison of the prevalence of subjects above the UK suspension level of 60 microg/dl (2.89 microM) (window renovation, P < 0.001; wood-stripping, P < 0.0001). Blood lead results at or above the suspension level in wood-strippers were significantly higher compared to window renovators (P = 0.034).


CONCLUSIONS
Window renovation is shown to present a potential for significant lead exposure, and suspension from work under The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002. Two groups of risk factors predominate: the well-documented potential for release of lead from old paint, and the peripatetic nature of the work.
Mason
Howard
H
Health and Safety Laboratory, Broad Lane, Sheffield S3 7HQ, UK. howard.mason@hsl.gov.uk
Gallagher
Frank
F
Sen
Dil
D
D002617:Chemical Industry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003252:Construction Materials / Q000633:toxicity*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood* / Q000633:toxicity; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence
D007854:Lead