Window renovation and exposure to lead—an observational study

Authors: Mason, Howard; Gallagher, Frank; Sen, Dil

Source: Occupational Medicine, Volume 55, Number 8, December 2005 , pp. 631-634(4)

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Abstract:

Background Renovation of windows in old houses has recently established itself as an industry. A recognizable occupational lead exposure exists, which has not been studied previously.

Aim To compare lead exposure amongst window renovators with other groups of lead-exposed workers.

Methods Using blood lead results measured at the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL), Sheffield, comparisons were made between three cohorts: window renovation workers, all male workers monitored by HSL during the period 1999–2001 and 63 male subjects involved in chemical paint-stripping of wood.

Results Both the window renovation and the wood-stripping cohorts show significantly higher blood lead distributions than the ‘all workers’ cohort (P < 0.001). A similar pattern was also found for comparison of the prevalence of subjects above the UK suspension level of 60 μg/dl (2.89 μM) (window renovation, P < 0.001; wood-stripping, P < 0.0001). Blood lead results at or above the suspension level in wood-strippers were significantly higher compared to window renovators (P = 0.034).

Conclusion Window renovation is shown to present a potential for significant lead exposure, and suspension from work under The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002. Two groups of risk factors predominate: the well-documented potential for release of lead from old paint, and the peripatetic nature of the work.

Keywords: Law and legislation; lead; lead exposure

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqi159

Publication date: 2005-12-01

More about this publication?

Occupational Medicine is an international peer-reviewed journal, providing vital information for the promotion of workplace health and safety. Topics covered include work-related injury and illness, accident and illness prevention, health promotion, occupational disease, health education, the establishment and implementation of health and safety standards, monitoring of the work environment, and the management of recognised hazards. Contributions are welcomed from practising occupational health physicians and research workers in related fields.

Window renovation and exposure to lead—an observational study

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