IngentaConnect Window renovation and exposure to leadan observational study

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.

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Window renovation and exposure to lead—an observational study