Lead exposure in radiator repair workers: a survey of Washington State radiator repair shops and review of occupational lead exposure registry data

• Published in: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine Vol. 45; no. 7; p. 724
• Main Author: Whittaker, Stephen G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2003
• Subjects: Data Collection; Humans; Lead - toxicity; Lead Poisoning - epidemiology; Maintenance - manpower; Motor Vehicles; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Occupational Exposure - analysis; Registries; Surveys and Questionnaires; Washington - epidemiology; Workplace; Washington
• ISSN: 1076-2752
• DOI: 10.1097/01.jom.0000079083.95532.b5

Radiator repair workers in Washington State have the greatest number of very elevated (> or =60 microg/dL) blood lead levels of any other worker population. The goals of this study were to determine the number of radiator repair workers potentially exposed to lead; estimate the extent of blood lead data underreporting to the Occupational Lead Exposure Registry; describe current safety and health practices in radiator repair shops; and determine appropriate intervention strategies to reduce exposure and increase employer and worker awareness. Lead exposure in Washington State's radiator repair workers was assessed by reviewing Registry data and conducting a statewide survey of radiator repair businesses. This study revealed that a total of 226 workers in Washington State (including owner-operators and all employees) conduct repair activities that could potentially result in excessive exposures to lead. Approximately 26% of radiator repair workers with elevated blood lead levels (> or =25 microg/dL) were determined to report to Washington State's Registry. This study also revealed a lack of awareness of lead's health effects, appropriate industrial hygiene controls, and the requirements of the Lead Standard. Survey respondents requested information on a variety of workplace health and safety issues and waste management; 80% requested a confidential, free-of-charge consultation. Combining data derived from an occupational health surveillance system and a statewide mail survey proved effective at characterizing lead exposures and directing public health intervention in Washington State.