California Lead Legislation & Regulations

The California State Legislature creates legislation (laws) through the passage of Assembly or Senate bills.

Regulations, also referred to as "standards," are the details and requirements for a given law.

Health standards are proposed by State agencies, such as the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) in the California Department of Industrial Relations, through a rulemaking process. Although Cal/OSHA proposes health regulations (and enforces health and safety regulations), they are passed by the California Occupational Safety and Health Board whose members are appointed by the Governor.

The following is a list of California occupational lead poisoning prevention laws and regulations.

• Cal/OSHA Construction Industry Lead Standard (PDF) – Title 8 CCR §1532.1

• Cal/OSHA General Industry Lead Standard (PDF) – Title 8 CCR §5198

• Legislation that established the Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (PDF) – Health and Safety Code §§105185-105195; program purpose, funding, and mandates.

• 2019 legislation adding new OLPPP mandate – Chapter 710, Statutes of 2019 (AB 35 Kalra); requires OLPPP to refer workplaces with a blood lead level 20 µg/dL or higher to Cal/OSHA for an enforcement inspection.

• Blood lead test result reporting by laboratories (PDF) – Health and Safety Code §124130; legislation requiring laboratories to report blood lead test results to the California Department of Public Health.

• Occupational Lead Poisoning Fee Program – Title 17 CCR §38001; regulation that explains the program; includes a list of industries assessed the annual fee, fee waiver eligibility, and procedures for applying for a fee waiver.

Recommendations for improving the Cal/OSHA Lead Standards

The Cal/OSHA lead standards are based on lead toxicity information that is now over 40 years old. Current medical information clearly demonstrates harmful effects of chronic and low-level exposures to lead in adults, at levels well below those currently allowed by the standards. See OLPPP's Recommendations for Improving the Cal/OSHA Lead Standards.