CDC: Workplace lead exposures decline
Atlanta – The prevalence of elevated blood-lead levels declined to 6.3 per 100,000 employed adults in 2009 from 14.0 in 1994, according to an analysis (.pdf file) published in the July 1 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examined data from 40 state Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance programs. Although BLLs declined overall, elevated BLLs were most common among workers in manufacturing, construction and mining.
CDC said the findings highlight the need for more interventions to prevent exposure and surveillance to determine the effectiveness of those interventions.
Work exposures account for approximately 95 percent of all elevated BLLs in adults, the report said.
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