Although discussions concerning lead poisoning are often focused on children, adults also are affected by lead. Probably the greatest use of lead is in the manufacture of electrical batteries. Solders that require low melting points but rapid solidification are used in electronic parts and the manufacture of printed circuits; these solders typically contain large amounts of lead.
Adults who work in certain industries, such as smelting, auto body repair shops, painting shops, scrap metal works, electrical work, demolition, and construction (including lead abatement, renovation, and remodeling) can be at risk to lead poisoning. Moreover, if care and precautions are not taken, they may carry lead-contaminated dust into their homes on work clothes, shoes, and hair. Proper personal hygiene and work-practice precautions must be followed by workers in all of these industries to prevent bringing lead dust home on their clothing. Also, hobbyists working with stained glass or pottery and sportsmen who make their own fishing weights or bullets should exercise caution to minimize lead exposure.
Vinyl mini blinds are another potential source of lead in a residence. In June 1996, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an alert warning of the possible dangers presented by imported vinyl mini blinds. After testing and analyzing vinyl mini blinds, the CPSC determined that some brands present a lead poisoning hazard for young children. 25 million non-glossy, vinyl mini blinds that had lead added to stabilize the plastic were imported each year from China, Taiwan, Mexico, and Indonesia. CPSC found that over time the plastic deteriorated from exposure to sunlight and heat to form lead dust on the surface of the blind.
The amount of lead dust that formed varied depending on the manufacturer. Based on these findings and at the request of the CPSC, the vinyl mini blind industry began using a different formulation for the mini blinds. These new lead-free mini blinds became available to consumers in July/August 1996. CPSC and CDC recommend that parents with young children remove old vinyl mini blinds from their houses and replace the mini blinds with alternative window coverings or with new mini blinds made without added lead.
The CDC, CPSC, and the public health community have identified the following products as sources of lead exposure, especially for children.
· Crayons (imported from China),
· Painted metal playground equipment,
· Pool cur chalk,
· Calcium supplements (made from bone or oyster shell),
· Some hair dyes (lead acetate).*
(*The lead in some hair dyes is a potential risk to children if they assist in applying the dye to a parents’ hair or if the parent doesn’t wash their hands after the application and residue contaminated fixtures and counter tops.)
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