Lead

Lead has many different uses. It is used in the production of batteries, ammunition, metal products (solder and pipes), and devices to shield X-rays. Lead compounds are used as a pigment in paints, dyes, and ceramic glazes and in caulk. Overall, the amount of lead used has been reduced in recent years to minimize lead’s harmful effect on people and animals. Even the use of lead in bullets and shot as well as in fishing sinkers is being reduced because of its harm to the environment.

Workers can be exposed to lead through inhalation of fumes and dusts, as well as through ingestion as a result of lead-contaminated hands, food, drinks, cosmetics, tobacco products, and clothing. Furthermore, workers can take lead home on their clothes, skin, hair, tools, and in their vehicles, potentially exposing their families to harmful health effects.

Occupations where workers may be exposed include:

Workers and Parents:

• What Workers Need to Know about Occupational Lead Exposure
• Don't Take Lead Dust Home From Work!: [English] [Spanish]
• Lead Bullets and Firing Ranges - Protect Yourself and Your Family
• Lead Training and Certification
• Homemade Fishing Weights Can be Hazardous to Your Health
• Lead Resources
• Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

Employers and Businesses:

• OSHA Lead Standard for General Industry
• On-site Lead Educational Training and Workplace Evaluation
• Lead Training and Certification
• Controlling Chemical Exposure: Industrial Hygiene Fact Sheets
• Guides for Managing Lead Control Programs (construction industry)
• Lead Resources

Clinical Laboratories:

• Reporting Regulation and Reporting Form

Health Care Professionals:

• Reporting Regulation and Reporting Form
• What Physicians Need to Know about Occupational Lead Exposure
• Lead Exposure in Adults - A Guide for Health Care Providers
• Medical Management Guidelines for Lead-Exposed Adults (PDF 240 KB) from the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC)
• Kosnett MJ, et al. Recommendations for Medical Management of Adult Lead Exposure Environmental Health Perspectives. March 2007, Volume 115, Issue 3, pages 463-471
• Lead Resources

NJ ABLES Program

The Occupational Health Surveillance Unit maintains a registry of adults with lead poisoning. This tracking system is called ABLES. ABLES stands for Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) currently funds 37 states including New Jersey to conduct the ABLES Program.

NJ ABLES collects and analyzes occupational information on adults with lead in blood and/or urine to identify occupations and industries most in need for intervention. NIOSH combines information from the 37 states to help measure trends in adult blood lead levels in these states. NJ ABLES also conducts other projects to help understand and prevent lead poisoning in New Jersey workers.

Lead Training and Certification

In order to perform lead-based paint work in New Jersey, individuals must be permitted by the NJDOH and be employed by a licensed lead abatement contractor. For more information regarding permitting requirements, please click here.

For information on lead contractor licensing, please contact the NJ Department of Community Affairs.