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Study Finds Thousands of Workers in California with Elevated Blood Levels

LA Testing provides analytical services, sampling supplies and test kits to identify lead hazards to protect employees from lead poisoning exposure risks.


Huntington Beach, CA – WEBWIRE

Earlier this year, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released a report about blood lead levels in California workers. The report presented data from the Occupational Blood Lead Registry, a laboratory-based tracking system for adult blood lead tests managed by the Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (OLPPP) at CDPH.

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can be combined with other metals to produce alloys. Lead and lead alloys are still used to make a number of products. In the past, lead was used in fuel, paint, ceramics, caulk, pipes and solder among other materials.

Data from over 38,000 workers from 2012 through 2014 was analyzed. Key findings from the report include:

  • 6,051 workers identified with an elevated blood lead level (BLL), defined as at or above 5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (µg/dL).
  • The majority of workers with an elevated BLL were male, 20–59 years of age, and had a Hispanic surname.
  • Sixty percent of workers with BLLs ≥10 µg/dL worked in the manufacturing sector, primarily in industries that make batteries, aircraft, aircraft parts, plumbing fixtures, or metal valves; build or repair ships; or recover lead from scrap. Fourteen percent worked in the construction sector.


 “Unfortunately, workers across California are still being exposed to high levels of lead far too often without the proper training, safety measures and personal protective equipment,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “At LA Testing, we are working hard to put a stop to lead poisoning. We offer comprehensive environmental testing services, sampling supplies, test kits and a full range of personal protective equipment. These testing services and products not only protect workers, they also help to keep companies in regulatory compliance.”

LA Testing recently sponsored an educational video about lead exposure risks in the work environment that can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrZXm-o6cvo.

To learn more about lead or other environmental and occupational testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794.  For access to test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, CDC ELITE, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including Huntington Beach, San Diego, San Leandro and South Pasadena.


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 lead
 occupational health
 lead blood level
 lead poisoning
 occupational testing


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