Working environment factors
How does lead affect workers’ health?
Jun
Lead – a toxic substance that has been associated with human work and life for centuries. However, its impact is not limited to industrial environments but also extends to workers’ health. This article explores the concerning effects of lead and emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and implementing protective measures in the workplace. In today’s fast-paced life, we can only hope that by understanding the effects of lead, we can create a safer work environment and protect employees’ health.
1. What is Lead?
Lead is a chemical element in the periodic table with the symbol Pb and atomic number 82. It is a soft, bluish-gray metal with good electrical conductivity. Lead has many industrial and commercial applications, such as in battery production, alloys, anti-corrosion paints, casting, and other industrial sectors.
However, lead is also toxic and can be harmful to human health and the environment. Long-term exposure to lead can cause many health problems, including effects on the nervous, circulatory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and skeletal systems. Therefore, controlling exposure and removing lead from the environment is crucial to protect human health and the environment.
2. Sources of Lead in Production
Lead can originate from multiple sources during production and use. Some common sources of lead include:
- Lead ore mining and processing: Lead is extracted from lead ore and then processed to separate lead from other minerals. This process can release lead into the environment.
- Lead used widely in battery production: Manufacturing and recycling batteries can generate lead and release it into the environment if not handled properly.
- Lead as a main component or alloy in various industries, including metal production, lead pipe and ammunition manufacturing, and construction materials.
- Lead in anti-corrosion paints to protect metal surfaces. If paint peels off or painting processes are poorly managed, lead can be released and dispersed into the environment.
To reduce the risk of lead generation and manage lead during production, industrial processes must comply with environmental and occupational safety regulations, and pollution control measures must be applied to ensure the safety of workers and the environment.
3. Occupations Exposed to Lead That Are Hazardous to Workers
Some occupations expose workers to lead, posing high health risks. Key occupations include:
- Battery production: processes such as melting lead, casting lead, and handling battery waste can generate lead fumes, dust, and waste, posing hazards to workers.
- Alloy production: may require the use of lead or lead compounds. Industries such as casting, lead pipe manufacturing, lead-acid battery production, and metalwork may involve lead exposure.
- Construction: lead may be used in materials like anti-corrosion paint, fireproof mortar, and lead pipes. Workers may be exposed during construction, repair, or demolition.
- Welding: workers may be exposed to lead through solder containing lead or from welding surfaces containing lead.
- Other occupations involving lead exposure.
4. How Lead Affects Workers’ Comfort
Lead can significantly affect workers’ comfort. Some impacts include:
- Exposure to lead can cause health problems such as fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating, reducing comfort and work performance.
- Lead can negatively affect the nervous system, causing anxiety, insomnia, and stress, which reduces comfort and increases workplace tension.
- Lead can cause high blood pressure and cardiovascular dysfunction.
- Digestive system effects: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Urinary system effects: can cause urethritis and bladder inflammation.
5. Permissible Lead Exposure Levels in the Workplace
According to Occupational Hygiene Standards under Decision 3733/2002/BYT:
Table 1: Permissible chemical limits in workplace air
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | Chemical Formula | 8-hour Average (mg/m3) (TWA) |
Short-term Maximum (mg/m3) (STEL) |
| 78 | Chì và các hợp chất | Lead and compounds | Pb | 0.05 | 0.1 |
6. Diseases Caused by Long-term Hazardous Lead Exposure
Long-term and toxic lead exposure can cause various health issues. Common lead-related diseases include:
- Lead poisoning: caused by prolonged and continuous lead exposure. Symptoms include fatigue, decreased energy, headaches, nausea, difficulty breathing, nervous system impairment, and effects on liver, kidney, and circulatory system.
- Cardiovascular effects: high blood pressure, heart failure, right heart failure, and other heart-related problems.
- Digestive system diseases: enteritis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, and other gastrointestinal issues.
- Nervous system disorders: cognitive decline, difficulty concentrating, sleep disorders, neurological disorders, and Parkinson’s disease.
7. Measures to Minimize Lead Exposure Impact on Workers’ Health
To minimize lead exposure impact on workers’ health, the following measures can be applied:
- Establish clear workplace safety rules and train workers on safe handling of lead, including the use of personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, chemical protective clothing, and safety goggles.
- Implement lead pollution control measures during production, including ventilation systems, effective dust extraction, and other preventive measures in the workplace.
- Conduct regular health check-ups to detect lead-related issues early.
- Reduce lead exposure during work by using lead-free materials or safer production technologies and processes.
- Ensure personal hygiene compliance, including washing hands before and after contact with lead and avoiding eating or drinking in lead-exposed areas.
- Worker training: Train workers on protective measures to safeguard their health in hazardous environments.
- Periodically conduct workplace environmental monitoring to collect and analyze harmful factors, adjust and reduce hazards, preventing occupational diseases.
8. National Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces of Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring devices to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to monitoring services, the center assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. Following the motto “customer-centered,” the center ensures client satisfaction and delivers the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet Monitoring Center has become a reputable unit in workplace environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with goals:
- We always value brand reputation and service quality.
- We provide clients with the best and most suitable options.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers dedicated to environmental protection and business benefits.
- With Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring Team, your company will receive professional service and expert consultation with the best cost advantages.
9. Workplace Environmental Monitoring Pricing
To help businesses implement professional and effective workplace environmental monitoring, Nam Viet provides clients with a detailed pricing list for monitoring services with quality and reasonable costs.
- Our pricing table provides detailed information on service costs, including travel, measurement, analysis, and report preparation. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of our monitoring results.
- We commit to competitive and reasonable prices and are ready to provide quick and professional consultation on any monitoring service inquiries.
- With Nam Viet’s pricing table, clients can easily choose service packages that suit their needs, ensuring the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
