LEAD

Why are we worried about lead?  Protection of children primarily Most buildings are open to the public, i.e. “Public Buildings” Workers could take dust home on their clothes, creating exposure to family members  Protection of workers/occupants Workers and occupants could get exposed via inhalation/ingestion of lead dust

Lead Facts Lead can be found:  Paints and coatings up until Industrial paints still contain lead in high levels.  Printing equipment  Batteries  Plumbing  Soil  Water  Imported food  Imported medicines and cosmetics  Radiation shielding

Lead Hazards  Children, Pregnant women & developing fetuses most at risk of harm from exposure  Lead is readily absorbed and distributed. Collects in the brain, bones, teeth and organ tissues.  Lead overexposure can lead to damage to: Nervous system Kidneys Blood-forming system Digestive system Reproductive system

Additional Effects on Children  Brain damage  Behavior and learning problems  Slowed growth  Hearing problems  Headaches

Children more at risk of lead poisoning due to:  Nervous system sensitivity  Absorption levels  Pica: putting toys, hands, etc. into mouth

Lead exposure routes  Hand to mouth contact with lead- contaminated: Dust Soil Water Other products  Inhalation of dust and fumes

Lead poisoning  Checked via blood test Children/pregnant women: >10 microg/dl - elevated >20 microg/dl - lead burdened Adults: > 40 microg/dl - elevated

Lead regulations Activities related to disturbance of lead are regulated by:  Department of Health Services (DOHS): Housing and Public buildings For operations involving lead at 0.5% content  Federal and Cal-OSHA: Worker Safety Operations that involve lead in any detectible amount  Federal and Cal-EPA: Hazardous waste For waste containing lead equal to or above 1000 ppm lead

What is being done to prevent lead exposure to employees?  All surfaces and materials to be disturbed are sampled and analyzed for lead content.  Lead-containing materials are handled by certified employees and contractors  The campus drinking water is regularly tested for lead.

OSHA requirements Include:  Proper work techniques  PPE  Worker training  Medical monitoring

Prevention of exposure to University community…  EH&S reviews all repair/remodeling plans  EH&S determines if work can be completed in-house or if an outside contractor is required.  Facilities Management Project Managers are provided with training

In-house lead disturbance  Must be reviewed with Office of EH&S to develop work plan, ensure worker and occupant safety and collect worker exposure sampling.

Employee/Supervisor Requirements  Building Materials must NOT be disturbed without authorization from EH&S