Lead
NYSUT Occupational Health and Safety Field Directory.

Although lead poisoning is one of the oldest known work-related diseases, lead continues to affect workers. More than 100 jobs may involve exposure to lead fumes, mist, or dust. Construction workers especially have a high risk of developing high blood lead levels.

Over exposure to lead can cause permanent damage to the nervous system, blood-forming system, digestive system, kidneys, and reproductive system. Employers are required to use certain methods to lower exposures to lead. Methods include good ventilation, respirators, protective clothing, and making sure workers wash their hands before they eat or smoke.

Family members can be in danger of lead poisoning when workers wear work clothes home or wash them with the family laundry. Also, since children are particularly sensitive to lead's harmful effects, it is important to get them tested if you think they have lead poisoning. The following organizations and government agencies can help:

• Mount Sinai-Irving J. Selikoff Occupational Health Clinical Center. Lead in Construction Program, P.O. Box 1058, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, NY NY 10029. 212-241-2903.

• New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG). 9 Murray Street, NY NY 10007. 212-349-6460.

• New York Healthy Schools Network. 96 Swan Street, Albany NY 12210. 518-462-0632. www.hsnet.org.

• National Lead Information Center Hotline. 1-800-Lead-FYI.

• New York City Department of Health Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology Unit. 125 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013. 212-788-4290.

• Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. Box 500, 5 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013. 212-334-7709 (for children.)

• Department of Environmental Protection. 718-699-9811 (for water testing.)