Debora Weiss1, Luke A Baertlein, Stephanie J Yendell, Krista Y Christensen, Carrie D Tomasallo, Paul D Creswell, Jenny L Camponeschi, Jon G Meiman, Henry A Anderson. 1. Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Weiss); Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services Madison (Dr Weiss, Dr Christensen, Dr Tomasallo, Dr Creswell, Ms Camponeschi, Dr Meiman); Health Risk Intervention Unit, Minnesota Department of Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Mr Baertlein, Dr Yendell); and Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison (Dr Christensen, Dr Creswell, Dr Anderson), Madison, Wisconsin.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: In March 2016, the state health departments of Wisconsin and Minnesota learned of three shipyard workers with blood lead levels (BLLs) more than 40 μg/dL. An investigation was conducted to determine the extent of and risk factors for the exposure. METHODS: We defined a case as an elevated BLL more than or equal to 5 μg/dL in a shipyard worker. Workers were interviewed regarding their symptoms and personal protective equipment (PPE) use. RESULTS: Of 357 workers, 65.0% had received more than or equal to 1 BLL test. Among tested workers, 171 (73.7%) had BLLmax more than or equal to 5 μg/dL. Workers who received respirator training or fit testing had a median BLLmax of 18.0 μg/dL, similar to the median BLLmax of workers who did not receive such training (22.6 μg/dL, P = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasize the importance of adequate provision and use of PPE to prevent occupational lead exposure.
OBJECTIVE: In March 2016, the state health departments of Wisconsin and Minnesota learned of three shipyard workers with blood lead levels (BLLs) more than 40 μg/dL. An investigation was conducted to determine the extent of and risk factors for the exposure. METHODS: We defined a case as an elevated BLL more than or equal to 5 μg/dL in a shipyard worker. Workers were interviewed regarding their symptoms and personal protective equipment (PPE) use. RESULTS: Of 357 workers, 65.0% had received more than or equal to 1 BLL test. Among tested workers, 171 (73.7%) had BLLmax more than or equal to 5 μg/dL. Workers who received respirator training or fit testing had a median BLLmax of 18.0 μg/dL, similar to the median BLLmax of workers who did not receive such training (22.6 μg/dL, P = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasize the importance of adequate provision and use of PPE to prevent occupational lead exposure.