Control of excessive lead exposure in radiator repair workers

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1991 Mar 1;40(8):139-41.

Abstract

In 1988, 83 automotive repair workers with blood lead levels (BLLs) greater than 25 micrograms/dL were reported to state health departments in the seven states that collaborated with CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in maintaining registries of elevated BLLs in adults. In 18 (22%) of these 83 persons, BLLs were greater than 50 micrograms/dL. Among automotive repair workers for whom a job category was specified, radiator repair work was the principal source of lead exposure. The major sources of exposure for radiator repair workers are lead fumes generated during soldering and lead dust produced during radiator cleaning. This report summarizes current BLL surveillance data for radiator repair workers and describes three control technologies that are effective in reducing lead exposures in radiator repair shops.

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Humans
  • Lead / adverse effects
  • Lead / blood*
  • Lead Poisoning / prevention & control
  • Occupational Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Vehicle Emissions / adverse effects*
  • Ventilation / methods

Substances

  • Vehicle Emissions
  • Lead