Identifying and Preventing Lead Exposure Risks for Workers in Puerto Rico

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that while many people worry about lead in their homes or in the environment, for some, the workplace may offer the greatest potential for exposure.
 
The agency describes lead as a toxic metal that can be combined with other metals to produce alloys. Lead and lead alloys are often used to make batteries, ammunition and other metal products. Years ago, lead was also used regularly in paint, ceramics, caulk and pipe solder among other things. Because of its potential health problems, the amount of lead used in these products today has lessened or has been removed. Though used less often, lead is still common in many industries, including construction, mining and manufacturing. In each of these industries, workers are at risk of being exposed to lead, by breathing it in, ingesting it or coming in contact with it.
 
“Regardless of whether a worker breathes lead dust, swallows it or absorbs lead particles, the health effects are the same,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “However, it should be noted that the human body absorbs higher levels of lead when inhaled. Exposure can make a person experience abdominal pain, constipation, tiredness, depression and irritability. It can also cause headaches, loss of appetite, memory loss, pain or tingling in the hands and/or feet, and weakness. People with prolonged exposure may also be at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease and reduced fertility.”
 
In Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean, the industrial hygiene and environmental professionals at Zimmetry offer comprehensive testing and consulting services to identify and mitigate lead exposure risks. These services conform to all of Puerto Rico’s current lead regulations and are vital for protecting workers while keeping companies and institutions in regulatory compliance.
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their lead, indoor air quality (IAQ), environmental, occupational, and compliance consulting and testing services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.
 

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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