Regular medical checkups are key to catching lead exposure before it becomes serious.
Why It Matters:
Lead accumulates in the body over time. Without regular testing, you might not know there’s a problem until it’s too late. OSHA requires medical surveillance when workers are exposed to airborne lead at certain levels.
Key Points:
- Blood lead level (BLL) testing is the most direct way to measure exposure.
- OSHA requires testing if airborne lead reaches or exceeds 30 µg/m³ over 30 days in a year.
- Workers with elevated BLLs may need temporary reassignment to limit further exposure.
- Employers must offer medical exams and maintain exposure records.
- Early detection through testing helps prevent permanent damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive health.
✅ Testing keeps exposure from becoming long-term harm.
Ask the Crew:
- Do you know if your exposure level requires medical monitoring?
- Has your employer offered you blood lead testing?
