× The federal government has shut down due to the failures of the President and Congress to continue government funding. Millions of Californians receiving benefits from state programs may be impacted. For now, California’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue to provide services and enroll eligible families as long as funding is available. No new federal funding to California WIC will be provided until the President and Congress take action. Families should continue to use their WIC benefits and attend their WIC appointments. This information is subject to change, so please monitor the California WIC website for updates.

Please be wary of potential highly partisan political messaging while visiting federal government websites for information related to the federal government shutdown.

Skip Navigation LinksOHWJan2017

Occupational Health Branch

Occupational Health Watch: January 2017

California workers still exposed to lead at harmful levels

1_painter%20suited%20w%20HEPA%20toA new report from the Occupational Health Branch presents data on adults with elevated blood lead levels (BLLs)—now defined by health agencies as 5 micrograms of lead per deciliter (µg/dL) and higher. Between 2012 and 2014:

  • More than 6,000 workers were identified with an elevated blood lead level.
  • The majority were male, aged 20–59, and had a Hispanic surname.
  • 60% of workers with BLLs ≥10 µg/dL worked in the manufacturing sector, followed by 14% in construction.

Long-term lead exposure at levels above 5–10 µg/dL increases the risk for health effects such as hypertension, kidney disease, cognitive dysfunction, and adverse reproductive outcomes.

Even higher blood lead levels continue to be a problem among California workers. Blood lead levels of 40 µg/dL and above were reported among workers in industries that handle lead-containing bullets and firearms, and metal-related and construction industries.

For more information, see the full report: Blood Lead Levels in California Workers, 2012–2014.

Photo: A worker wearing protective gear prepares a surface for painting.

Resources

BLL data report

Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Program


Email Occupational Health Watch (OHW@cdph.ca.gov) with feedback or change of address.

Page Last Updated :