Lead Contamination in Automobiles of Lead-Exposed Bridgeworkers

Abstract

Occupational exposure to lead at construction sites during lead-based paint abatement has become a widely recognized problem in recent years. However, these exposures to lead may not be limited to the workplace. Lead may be carried away from work sites on workers' skin and clothing, resulting in para-occupational or “take-home” exposure to workers' families. An indicator of potential take-home exposure is the level of contamination in workers' automobiles. In a recent study of lead exposures during lead-based paint abatement at a bridge renovation site, dust samples were collected from the interiors of workers' automobiles using wipe and vacuum collection methods. Lead was present in each of the 27 automobiles that were sampled. High lead loadings were found on driver's side floors (geometric mean = 1900 μg/m²), armrests (1100 μg/m²), and steering wheels (240 μg/m²). Lead contamination inside automobiles did not appear to be associated with personal exposures to airborne lead in the work environment. For example, lead loadings on the floor and seat area were highest in cars of those workers with low airborne lead exposure, such as industrial hygiene/safety and security personnel (1000 μg/m²). Abrasive blasters, who typically have high exposures to airborne lead, had low lead loadings in their cars (370 μg/m²). These findings may be explained by the observation that workers considered to be highly exposed to lead, such as blasters, regularly changed out of work clothing and showered before entering their cars. Other workers who were thought to be only minimally exposed to lead did not regularly follow hygiene practices intended to prevent take-home exposures. Personal hygiene practices such as leaving work clothes and shoes at the job site, washing hands and face, and changing into clean clothes before leaving work are recommended for all workers at lead abatement sites to prevent lead from being carried into cars and homes and potentially exposing family members and others.