Don’t bring lead pipe hazards home, NIOSH cautions workers

Cincinnati — Workers replacing old water service lines may be exposed to lead piping or lead-contaminated soil – and could bring the metal home, a new NIOSH guidance document cautions.

Take-home exposures occur when workers unknowingly carry toxins home on their skin, clothes, shoes and personal items, exposing members of their household. Long-term exposure to lead at work can affect the nervous system, NIOSH says. High exposure levels can severely damage the brain and kidneys, as well as result in decreased fertility and miscarriage.

Recent federal funding for infrastructure projects, the agency notes, likely will mean an increase in old service lines being replaced soon. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that between 6 million and 10 million lead water service lines are currently in use.

“Workers may be exposed to lead if they work in excavated pits, cut and handle lead pipe and equipment, or prepare to pull the lead line or disconnect the service line,” NIOSH says. “Workers may also be exposed to lead-contaminated soil during excavation using heavy equipment such as a backhoe or manual digging using shovels.”

The document features tips for employers and workers on how to reduce lead exposure, covering subjects such as work practices, training, hygiene and housekeeping, testing, and personal protective equipment.