LEAD IN BATTERY INDUSTRY

Transcription

1 LEAD IN BATTERY INDUSTRY Global Diagnostics Network 1

2 Lead In Battery Manufacturing Lead is a toxic metal that is also used in burning fossil fuels. It can be combined with other metals to produce alloys. Lead and lead alloys are often used to make batteries, ammunition, and other metal products Exposure to lead is the primary health concern in battery manufacturing. Any operation in which battery plates, lead scrap, or oxide is handled may be a significant source of lead exposure. Lead fumes from lead pots, torching, burning, or other operations where a flame contacts lead, or lead is heated above the melting point, may also be sources of lead exposure. The employer shall assure that no employee is exposed to lead at concentrations greater than fifty micrograms per cubic meter of air (50 ug/m(3)) averaged over an 8-hour period. If an employee is exposed to lead for more than 8 hours in any work day, the permissible exposure limit, as a time weighted average (TWA) for that day, shall be reduced according to the following formula: Maximum permissible limit (in ug/m(3))=400 divided by hours worked in the day. At present, however, the best available method for monitoring biological exposure to lead is measurement of the blood lead level (BLL). Global Diagnostics Network 2

3 Routes of Exposure for Lead Breathing in lead fumes or lead dust Lead fumes are produced during metal processing, when metal is being heated or soldered. Lead dust is produced when metal is being cut or when lead paint is sanded or removed with a heat gun. Lead fumes and lead dust do not have an odor, so you may not know you are being exposed. Ingesting lead dust Lead dust can settle on food, water, clothes, and other objects. If you eat, drink, or smoke in areas where lead is being processed or stored, you could ingest lead dust. Not washing your hands before you eat or touch your mouth are also ways you could ingest lead.though not always the case, ingested lead may leave a metallic taste in your mouth. Coming in contact with lead dust Some studies have found lead can be absorbed through skin. If you handle lead and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, you could be exposed. Lead dust can also get on your clothes and your hair. If this happens, it s possible that you may track home some of the lead dust, which may also expose your family. Symptoms of Exposure To Lead Lead poisoning can happen if a person is exposed to very high levels of lead over a short period of time. When this happens, a person may feel: Abdominal pain Constipated Excessively tired Headache Irritable Loss of appetite Memory loss Pain or tingling in the hands and/or feet Weakness A person who is exposed to lead prolonged -over time may feel: Abdominal pain Constipated Depressed Distracted Forgetful Irritable Nauseous/Sick Exposed to high levels of lead may cause : Anemia Weakness Kidney Damage Brain Damage. Very high lead exposure can cause death. Global Diagnostics Network 3

4 Effects Of Lead NEUROTOXIC EFFECTS HEMATOLOGIC AND RENAL EFFECTS REPRODUCTIVE AND DEVELOPMENTAL EFFECTS CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS Global Diagnostics Network 4

5 Neurotoxin Effects, Hematological And Renal Effects Severe exposures resulting in BLLs > 80 μg/dl may cause coma, encephalopathy, or death. The most severe damage to the peripheral nervous system from high, chronic, workplace exposures to lead (two or more times higher than the current OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits [ PEL] of 50 μg/m3) resulted in local paralysis described as wrist drop or foot drop. BLLs as low as 30 to 40 μg/dl decrease motor nerve conduction velocity in workers, although these lead exposure levels are not associated with clinical symptoms. These subclinical symptoms represent early stages of neurologic damage to the central and peripheral nervous system. Anemia is one of the most characteristic symptoms of high and prolonged exposures to lead associated with BLLs > 80 μg/dl. Workers with BLLs of 40 to 50 μg/dl may experience fatigue, irritability, insomnia, headaches and subtle evidence of mental and intellectual decline. 1. Feldman RG, Hayes MK, Younes R, Aldrich FD [1977]. Lead neuropathy in adults and children. Arch Neurol 34: Mantere P, Hanninen H, Hernberg S, Luukkonen R [1984]. A prospective follow-up study on psychological effects in workers exposed to low levels of lead. Scand J Work Environ Health 10: Hogstedt C, Hane M, Agrell A, Bodin L [1983]. Neuropsychological test results and symptoms among workers with well-defined long-term exposure to lead. Br J Ind Med 40: Seppäläinen AM, Hernberg S, Vesanto R, Kock B [1983]. Early neurotoxic effects of occupational lead exposure: a prospective study. Neurotoxicology 4(2): Effects on heme synthesis can be observed at BLLs below 15 μg/dl, but the clinical significance of these effects at low BLLs is undetermined. Chronic high exposure to lead, above the OSHA PEL, may cause chronic nephropathy and, in extreme cases, kidney failure. There is substantially less evidence of kidney disease at lower exposures to lead 1. Piomelli S [1981]. Chemical toxicity of red cells. Environ Health Perspect 39: Goyer RA [1989]. Mechanisms of lead and cadmium nephrotoxicity. Toxicology Letters 46: Rom W [1976]. Effects of lead on the female and reproduction: a review. Mt. Sinai J Med 43: Global Diagnostics Network 5

6 Reproductive And Developmental Effects Exposures to lower concentrations of lead, with BLLs at or below 15 μg/dl may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as shortened time of gestation and decreased fetal mental development and growth. Even low maternal exposures to lead, resulting in BLLs as low as10 μg/dl, produce intellectual and behavioral deficits in children. BLLs of 60 μg/dl may be associated with male infertility. Historical studies indicate that high exposures to lead produce stillbirths and miscarriages. Several reports indicate that decreased sperm quality and hormonal changes can occur among male workers exposed to lead with BLLs of 30 to 40 μg/dl Studies in male workers indicate that exposures to lead resulting in BLLs as low as 40 μg/dl may cause decreased sperm count and abnormal sperm morphology. 1. Andrews KW, Savitz DA, Hertz-Picciotto I [1994]. Prenatal lead exposure in relation to gestational age and birth weight: A review of epidemiologic studies. Am J Ind Med 26: Schwartz J [1994]. Low-level lead exposure and children s IQ: a meta analysis and search for a threshold. Environ Res 65: Zi-quiang C, Qi-ing C, Chin-chin P. Jia-yian Q [1985]. Peripheral nerve conduction velocity in workers occupationally exposed to lead. Scand J Work Environ Health 11(4): Goyer RA [1990]. Transplacental transport of lead. Environ Health Perspect 89: Mushak P., Davis JM, Crocetti AF, Grant LD [1989]. Prenatal and postnatal effects of low-level lead exposure: integrated summary of a report to the U.S. Congress on childhood lead poisoning. Environ Res 50: Moore MR [1980]. Prenatal exposure to lead and mental retardation. In: H.L. 7. Needleman, Ed. Low Level Lead Exposure: The Clinical Implications of Current Research. New York, NY: Raven Press, pp Fisher-Fischbein J, Fischbein A, Melnick HD, Bardin W [1987]. Correlation between biochemical indicators of lead exposure and semen quality in a lead-poisoned firearms 9. instructor. JAMA 257(6): Lancranjan I, Popescu HI, Gavanescu O, Klepsch I, Serbanescu M [1975]. Reproductive ability of workmen occupationally exposed to lead. Arch Environ Health 30: Alexander BH, Checkoway H, van Netten C, Muller CH, Ewers TG, Kaufman JD, Mueller BA, Vaughan TL, Faustman EM [1996]. Semen quality of men employed at a lead smelter. Occup Environ Med 53: Braunstein GD, Dahlgren J, Loriaux DL [1978]. Hypogonadism in chronically lead-poisoned men [Abstract]. Infertility 1(1): Ng TP, Goh HH, Ng YL, Ong HY, Ong CN, Chia KS, Chia SE, Jeyaratnam J [1991]. 14. Male endocrine functions in workers with moderate exposure to lead. Br J Ind Med 48: OSHA [1978]. 43 Fed. Reg. No Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Final standard for occupational exposure to lead, supplementary information, health effects, pp Global Diagnostics Network 6

7 Cardiovascular Effects And Cancer 1. Dingwall Fordyce I, Lane RE [1963]. A follow-up study of lead workers. Br J Ind Med 20: Schwartz J [1991]. Lead, blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease in men and women. Environ Health Perspect 91: Sharp DS, Osteloh J, Becker CE, Bernard B, Smith AH, Fisher JM, Syme SL, Holman BL, Johnston T [1988]. Blood pressure and blood lead concentration in bus drivers. Environ Health Perspect 78: Weiss ST, Munoz A, Stein A, Sparrow D, Speizer FE [1988]. The relationship of bloodlead to systolic blood pressure in a longitudinal study of policemen. Environ Health Perspect 78: Pocock SJ, Shaper AG, Ashby D, Delves HT, Clayton BE [1988]. The relationship between blood lead, blood pressure, stroke, and heart attacks in middle-aged British men. Environ Hlth Perspect 78: Pirkle JL, Schwartz J, Landis JR, Harlan WR [1985]. The relationship between blood lead levels and blood pressure and its cardiovascular risk implications. Am J Epidemiol121(2): Hertz-Picciotto I, Croft J [1993]. Review of the relation between blood lead and blood pressure. Epidemiologic Reviews 15(2): Schwartz J [1995]. Lead, blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in men. Environ Hlth Hu H, Aro A, Payton M, Korrick S, Sparrow D, Weiss ST, and Rotnitzky A [1996]. The relationship of bone and blood lead to hypertension the normative aging study. JAMA 275(15): Chronic high exposures to lead that existed earlier in this century were associated with an increased incidence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Increased BLLs are associated with small increases in blood pressure. This relationship appears to extend to BLLs below 10 μg/dl. 1. Azar A, Trochimowicz HJ, Maxfield ME [1973]. Review of lead studies in animals carried out at Haskell laboratory 2-year feeding study and response to hemorrhage study.proceedings of the International Symposium Environmental Health Aspects of Lead. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Commission of the European Communities and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pp Zawirska B, Medras K [1968]. Tumoren und störungen des porphyrinstoffwechsels bei ratten mit chronischer experimenteller blei intoxikation (in German). Zbl Allg Path Bd 111: Lilis R [1981]. Long-term occupational lead exposure, chronic nephropathy, and renal cancer: a case report. Am J Ind Med 2: Cantor KP, Sontag JM, Heid MF [1986]. Patterns of mortality among plumbers and pipefitters. Am J Ind Med 10: Selevan SG, Landrigan PJ, Stern FB, Jones JH [1985]. Mortality of lead smelter workers. Am J Epidem 122(4): Anttila A, Heikkilä P, Nykyri E, Kauppinen T, Hernberg S, Hemminki K [1995]. Excess lung cancer among workers exposed to lead. Scan J Work Environ Health 21: Steenland K, Sevelan S, Landrigan P [1992]. Mortality of lead smelter workers: an update. Am J Pub Health 82(12): IARC [1987]. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Overall evaluations of carcinogenicity: an updating of IARC monographs volumes 1 to 42. United Kingdom: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer. Supplement 7, pp ACGIH [1995] Threshold limit values for chemical substances and physical agents and biological exposure indices. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Several studies have examined the relationship between workers' lead exposure and the occurrence of cancer among the workers Global Diagnostics Network 7

8 Employer s Role Replacing lead-containing products with lead-free or lower lead content products when feasible. Where lead-containing products cannot be replaced, train workers on hazards and safe work practices. Use proper engineering controls to ensure the work area is well-ventilated. Conduct routine Blood Lead Level testing for workers who are potentially exposed to lead. Make a lead monitoring program available for workers. The program should consist of biological monitoring and medical surveillance. Measure the level of lead in the air frequently. Put in place systems of work and other controls, such as fume and dust extraction, to prevent or control your exposure to lead, and keep equipment in efficient working order Train employees to use control measures and protective equipment correctly. Action Level If the amount of lead in your blood reaches 50 μg/dl called the action level employer must investigate why this has happened and try to reduce it to below that level by: reviewing the control measures and checking that they are working properly; making sure that proper hygiene procedures are followed; consulting relevant heath professionals such as a doctor or occupational hygienist about any additional protective measures. Global Diagnostics Network 8

9 Employer s Role Provision and use. If an employee is exposed to lead above the PEL, without regard to the use of respirators or where the possibility of skin or eye irritation exists, the employer shall provide at no cost to the employee and assure that the employee uses appropriate protective work clothing and equipment such as, but not limited to: Coveralls or similar full-body work clothing, Gloves, hats, and shoes or disposable shoe coverlets; and Face shields, vented goggles, or other appropriate protective equipment. Ensure workers are using their personal protective equipment, such as goggles, proper respiratory protection, coveralls, gloves, etc. Provide workers with effective lead removal products. Hand washing with standard soap and water is not effective at removing lead residues from hands Provide protective clothing to your employees Provide washing and changing facilities, and places free from lead contamination where you can eat and drink; The employer shall provide lunchroom facilities for employees who work in areas where their airborne exposure to lead is above the PEL, without regard to the use of respirators. The employer shall assure that lunchroom facilities have a temperature controlled, positive pressure, filtered air supply, and are readily accessible to employees. The employer shall provide an adequate number of lavatory facilities Global Diagnostics Network 9

10 Instructions for employees Employees must remember: Floors and other surfaces where lead accumulates may not be cleaned by the use of compressed air. Shoveling, dry or wet sweeping, and brushing may be used only where vacuuming or other equally effective methods have been tried and found not to be effective. Vacuuming. Where vacuuming methods are selected, the vacuums shall be used and emptied in a manner which minimizes the reentry of lead into the workplace. Keep immediate work area as clean and tidy as possible Do not allow anyone to take home any protective clothing or protective footwear for washing or cleaning. Wash and/or shower and change before going home. Clear up and get rid of any lead waste at the end of each day or shift Do not leave the workplace wearing any clothing or equipment worn during the work shift. Employees who work in areas where their airborne exposure to lead is above the PEL without regard to the use of a respirator wash their hands and face prior to eating, drinking, smoking or applying cosmetics. Employees should not enter lunchroom facilities with protective work clothing or equipment unless surface lead dust has been removed by vacuuming, down draft booth, or other cleaning method. Global Diagnostics Network 10

11 Medical surveillance According to OSHA Guidelines The employer shall institute a medical surveillance program for all employees who are or may be exposed at or above the action level for more than 30 days per year. The employer shall assure that all medical examinations and procedures are performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician. Blood lead and ZPP level sampling and analysis. The employer shall make available biological monitoring in the form of blood sampling and analysis for lead and zinc protoporphyrin levels to each employee on the following schedule: At least every 6 months to each employee At least every two months for each employee whose last blood sampling and analysis indicated a blood lead level at or above 40 ug/100 g of whole blood. This frequency shall continue until two consecutive blood samples and analyses indicate a blood lead level below 40 ug/100 g of whole blood; and At least monthly during the removal period of each employee removed from exposure to lead due to an elevated blood lead level. Global Diagnostics Network 11

12 Medical Examinations And Consultations The employer shall make available medical examinations and consultations to each employee At least annually for each employee for whom a blood sampling test conducted at any time during the preceding 12 months indicated a blood lead level at or above 40 ug/100 g; A detailed work history and a medical history, with particular attention to past lead exposure (occupational and nonoccupational), personal habits (smoking, hygiene), and past gastrointestinal, hematologic,renal, cardiovascular, reproductive and neurological problems A thorough physical examination, with particular attention to teeth, gums, hematologic, gastrointestinal, renal, cardiovascular, and neurological systems. Pulmonary status should be evaluated if respiratory protection will be used A blood pressure measurement A blood sample and analysis which determines Blood lead level Hemoglobin and hematocrit determinations, red cell indices, and examination of peripheral smear morphology Zinc protoporphyrin Blood urea nitrogen Serum creatinine A routine urinalysis with microscopic examination Global Diagnostics Network 12

13 Study In Batter Industry And Lead Levels Occupational health programme for lead workers in battery plants Published in Journal of Power Sources for Fourth Asian Battery Conference. A three-year occupational health programme for lead workers has contributed to improvements in the working conditions of lead industries, particularly in large-scale battery plants, and has decreased the unnecessary high lead burden of workers through on-going medical surveillance with biological monitoring and health education schemes. The following occupational health services are provided by the Institute: (i) physical health examination; (ii) biological monitoring with zinc protoporphyrin, urine δ-aminolevulinic acid and blood lead; (iii) respiratory protection with maintenance-free respirators; (iv) measurement of the environmental condition of workplaces; (v) health education. Occupational health programme for lead workers in battery plants Byung Kook Lee, Institute of Industrial Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Chunan South Korea Published in Journal of Power Sources Volume 38, Issues 1-2, March-April 1992, Pages for Fourth Asian Battery Conference. Global Diagnostics Network 13

14 More References Please Note: The guidelines / precautions in this document are recommendations of Occupational Health and safety Administration (OSHA), United States of America. For More Information you may like to visit: Occupational Safety & Health Administration Centers for Disease Control and Prevention U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [2007] Toxicological profile for Lead (update) Public Health Service Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Gulson BL, Mahaffey KR, Mizon KJ, Korsch MJ, Cameron MA, Vimpani G Contribution of tissue lead to blood lead in adult female subjects based on stable lead isotope methods. J Lab Clin Med 125: Weyerman M, Brenner H. [1998]. Factors affecting bone demineralization and blood lead levels of postmenopausal women. A population based study from Germany. Environ Res 76: Potula V, Kaye W. [2006]. The Impact of Menopause and Lifestyle Factors on Blood and Bone Lead Levels Among Female Former Smelter Workers: The Bunker Hill Study. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 49: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).Report to Congress on Workers' Home Contamination Study Conducted Under The Workers' Family Protection Act (29 U.S.C. 671a) DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No (1995) PDF 10.2 MB (308 pages) Filon FL, Boeniger M, Maina G, Adami G, Spinelli P, Damian A. [2006]. Skin absorption of inorganic lead (PbO) and the effect of skin cleansers. Journal of Environmental Medicine. 48(7): Published by the Health and Safety Executive INDG305(rev1) NIOSH Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance (ABLES) Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) 2009 Position statement: Public health reporting national notification for elevated blood lead levels [PDF KB] Global Diagnostics Network 14

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