Protecting Building Occupants, Workers and Children from Lead Hazards

Lead is a toxic metal and the dangers of exposure have been known for years. Despite this, some people are still being exposed to unsafe levels of lead in their homes, schools and in the workplace.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) notes that it does not matter if a person breathes-in, swallows or absorbs lead particles, the health effects are the same; however, the body absorbs higher levels of lead when it is breathed-in. Lead also typically affects children more than it does adults.

Lead poisoning can happen when a person is exposed to very high levels of lead over a short period of time. When this happens, NIOSH reports a person may feel:

• Abdominal pain
• Constipated
• Tired
• Headachy
• Irritable
• Loss of appetite
• Memory loss
• Pain or tingling in the hands and/or feet
• Weak

The agency goes on to share that exposure to high levels of lead may also cause anemia, and kidney and brain damage. People with prolonged exposure to lead may be at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, and reduced fertility according to NIOSH. Lead is also considered to be a likely human carcinogen.

“Lead poisoning is entirely preventable, this is why identifying and mitigating exposure risks at work, home or school is so important,” said Derrick A. Denis, Vice President of Indoor Environmental Quality for Clark Seif Clark (CSC). “At CSC our industrial hygiene, environmental and building science professionals provide consulting, testing and training services to prevent new cases of lead poisoning and to help companies and institutions comply with existing health and safety regulations.”

CSC recently sponsored an educational video about some of the health problems caused by lead exposure listed by NIOSH, it can be seen at: https://youtu.be/Gt9RSmIlh3s

To learn more about lead or other industrial hygiene, building science, indoor air quality, environmental, health, and safety testing and consulting services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational, environmental, and health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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