title: Adult Blood Lead Levels in Minnesota: Rates and Trends, 2005-2012.
abstract: Lead exposure is associated with a number of adverse health events including peripheral neuropathy, anemia, renal damage and cognitive impairment. The vast majority of adult lead exposures occur in the workplace. By statute, all results from blood lead level (BLL) tests performed in Minnesota are submitted to the Minnesota Department of Health for surveillance purposes. We analyzed that data to examine lead exposure trends from 2005 through 2012. We found that an average of 548 persons 16 years of age and older had a BLL greater than 10 μg/dL each year during that period. Analysis of the prevalence rate of elevated BLLs among adults for the years 2005-2012 showed a modest, nonsignificant decline among those with BLLs greater than 1O μg/dL. Much has been done to reduce exposures and BLLs among young children. However, the policies and standards that protect workers have not been similarly adjusted, and many workers remain at risk of exposure. Although OSHA is responsible for developing and implementing policies and standards to protect workers, health care providers can play a critical role in identifying cases of lead exposure by asking patients about their occupation and industry. Those working in high-risk industries should be tested to determine whether they have been exposed and intervention is warranted.
authors.forename: Adrienne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Landsteiner
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yendell
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lindgren
authors.forename: Larry
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Olson
authors.forename: Allan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D006291:Health Policy / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood*; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008910:Minnesota; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012016:Reference Values
chemical_list: D007854:Lead