Occupational disease
Occupational lead poisoning
Apr
Lead and its compounds, widely used in industry, military, and daily life, have caused contamination of air, soil, water, and food. Lead existing in the environment can enter the human body and may cause poisoning, especially for those frequently exposed to lead during daily activities and production processes.
Lead can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. All work involving mining, processing, using lead, lead ore, alloys, and lead-containing mixtures can cause lead poisoning. Mainly, this occurs in industries mining and processing lead ore and lead-containing scrap; recovering old lead; manufacturing and using lead-based glazes, leaded glass, etc.
1. What is occupational lead poisoning?
Occupational lead poisoning is a disease caused by exposure to lead in the workplace. It is a chronic condition that affects multiple organs in the body, such as the nervous system, digestive system, hematologic system, immune system, and urinary system.
Workers at risk of occupational lead poisoning are usually those working in industries such as metal production, processing, paint, pesticides, electronics, etc. Primarily, it occurs in the mining and processing of lead ore and lead-containing scrap; recovery of old lead; manufacturing and use of lead-based glazes, leaded glass; smelting, refining, casting, rolling lead and lead alloys; preparation and use of tetraethyl lead, lead-containing fuels, etc.
2. Occupations at risk of lead poisoning
Common jobs and exposure sources include:
- Mining and processing lead ore.
- Recovering lead from scrap.
- Smelting, refining, casting, and rolling lead and lead alloys.
- Soldering and plating with lead alloys.
- Manufacturing, trimming, cutting, polishing lead materials and lead alloys.
- Manufacturing and repairing lead-acid batteries.
- Tempering and drawing leaded steel wires.
- Preparing and using lead oxides and lead salts.
- Preparing and using lead-containing paints, varnishes, inks, matte, and pigments.
- Manufacturing and using lead-based glazes and glass.
- Scraping and cutting materials coated with lead paint.
- Preparing and using tetraethyl lead and lead-containing fuels; cleaning containers of such fuels.
- Other jobs with exposure to lead and lead compounds.
3. Mechanism and causes of lead poisoning
Lead poisoning results from the accumulation of lead in the body, causing serious health problems. The mechanism involves lead interacting with various cells and tissues, affecting their function. Workers are exposed to lead through inhaling lead dust, ingesting lead from food or water, or skin contact.
Once in the body, lead can be absorbed and accumulate in tissues and organs, especially bones and brain. Lead affects nerve cells, cardiovascular system, kidneys, liver, and immune function, leading to health issues such as cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, kidney and liver damage, anemia, hypertension, birth defects, infertility, etc.
The severity of lead poisoning depends on the level and duration of exposure, as well as the age and health status of the affected person.
4. Symptoms of lead poisoning
Acute lead poisoning
Digestive disorders: epigastric pain, abdominal pain, vomiting.
Kidney damage: albuminuria, urinary casts, reduced urination, sometimes liver damage, convulsions, and coma leading to death within 2-3 days.
Chronic lead poisoning
Pre-poisoning phase: At this stage (blood lead below 70µg/10mL), vague subjective signs may appear such as gastrointestinal pain, fatigue, personality changes, muscle and joint pain, reduced mobility…
Manifest lead poisoning phase: At this stage, many pathological signs in multiple organs are evident, varying by individual. Some manifestations include systemic disorders, anemia, lead colic, polyneuropathy, hypertension, lead encephalopathy, thyroid and testicular damage.
5. Effects of occupational lead poisoning
Occupational lead poisoning is a serious health problem for workers in lead-rich environments. Its effects include:
- Neurological impairment: Lead can cause cognitive decline, Parkinson’s disease, and other nervous system issues.
- Kidney dysfunction: Lead affects kidney function, causing damage and related conditions such as diabetes and renal failure.
- Digestive problems: Lead poisoning can cause nausea, diarrhea, and bloating.
- Immune system impact: Lead reduces immune function, leading to infections and inflammation.
- Cardiovascular effects: Lead poisoning can cause hypertension, arrhythmia, and heart disease.
- Reproductive effects: Lead can impair fertility and cause birth defects.
- Other issues: Weakness, anemia, and respiratory problems.
6. Complications of lead poisoning
Even low levels of lead exposure can cause long-term damage. The greatest risk is to brain development, where irreversible damage may occur. Higher levels can harm kidneys and the nervous system in both children and adults. High lead levels can cause seizures, unconsciousness, and death.
Explore risks and symptoms of occupational lead poisoning. The occupational lead poisoning risk assessment tool collects information on risk factors, protective measures, and health checks to safeguard against harmful effects of lead in the workplace. Learn how to evaluate lead exposure levels and determine your potential risk.
7. Protective equipment to prevent lead poisoning
Protective equipment is essential to safeguard workers from lead exposure. Necessary protective equipment includes:
- Mask: Prevents inhalation of lead dust and fine particles.
- Dust-proof clothing: Protects against contact with lead dust.
- Gloves: Protect hands from direct contact with lead.
- Safety glasses: Protect eyes from lead dust and impacts.
- Other PPE: Safety shoes, helmets, jackets, protective pants, and gear storage.
Proper use of PPE is crucial to prevent occupational lead poisoning.
8. Compensation for workers with lead poisoning
In Vietnam, workers with lead poisoning are entitled to compensation under the law:
- Health insurance: Covers medical expenses, medication, and treatment related to lead poisoning.
- Occupational accident and disease insurance: Provides compensation for work-related lead poisoning, covering disability, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
- Social insurance: May include allowances, retirement benefits, and social support.
Workers can also seek additional support from provincial labor and insurance authorities to protect their rights.
9. Treatment for lead poisoning
Treatment depends on the severity and symptoms. The first step is to stop exposure and remove lead from the living and working environment.
Treatment methods include:
- Surgery: In severe cases, to remove accumulated lead from tissues and organs.
- Medications: Pain relievers, anticonvulsants, and sleep disorder treatments to alleviate symptoms.
- Nutrition: A diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals supports overall health and immunity.
Early detection is critical for effective treatment.
10. Prevention of occupational lead poisoning
Preventive measures include:
- Using protective equipment: Masks, gloves, protective jackets, boots, and glasses.
- Regular health checks: Monitor early signs of lead poisoning.
- Personal hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly before and after work.
- Workplace control: Manage and store lead waste safely.
- Reduce lead exposure: Use lead-free tools and materials.
- Education: Workers should be informed about lead poisoning to prevent risk.
11. Responsibilities of enterprises in preventing lead poisoning
Enterprises must:
- Provide full protective equipment to workers.
- Ensure a safe working environment, minimize lead exposure, and handle lead waste properly.
- Conduct regular health checks.
- Train and educate workers on lead poisoning prevention.
- Compensate workers affected by lead poisoning according to the law.
- Conduct occupational environment monitoring and report results to improve workplace safety.
12. National occupational environment monitoring center
Nam Viet Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit monitoring and measuring workplace environment quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With experienced monitoring specialists and modern equipment, the center ensures accurate and reliable results.
REGISTER OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
The center also supports clients in planning, handling, and monitoring workplace environmental issues. Following the motto “customer-centered,” it ensures customer satisfaction and delivers optimal solutions.
Goals include:
- Maintaining brand reputation and service quality.
- Providing the best and most suitable solutions for clients.
- With a team of experienced MScs and engineers dedicated to environmental protection and enterprise benefits.
- Clients will receive professional service and the best cost advantages.
13. Occupational environment monitoring price list
To help enterprises conduct workplace monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides a quality and affordable price list for occupational environment monitoring.
- The price list details costs for monitoring services, including travel, measurement, analysis, and report preparation. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of the results.
- Nam Viet commits to competitive pricing and is ready to provide fast, professional consultation on monitoring services.
- Clients can easily choose suitable service packages, ensuring maximum satisfaction and professional service quality.
