Citation
(2001), "Blood lead levels", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 31 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2001.01731cab.009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
Blood lead levels
Blood lead levels
The Health and Safety Executive recently published its latest statistics on blood lead levels of workers in the UK exposed to lead. There was a small fall in the total number of workers with relatively high levels. The number of male workers with relatively high blood levels continued to decline but for females the proportion rose, although the numbers are relatively small and tend to fluctuate from year to year. The industry sector with the highest number of workers with blood levels above suspension levels, for both men and women, was lead batteries. The demolition sector where the proportions had also been high in previous years had blood levels below the average for all sectors in 1998/1999. The Approved Code of Practice lays down limits of blood concentration, above which the appointed doctor is required to take action. If a worker's blood lead level exceeds this limit a repeat measure must be made and, if this is still over the limit, the worker must be suspended from working with lead.