ATLANTA, Apr 16, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Despite reductions in rates of
elevated blood lead levels in U.S. adults, overexposure to lead continues among
workers, health officials said.
Research by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health said there
is a need to strengthen lead prevention efforts by industry, government, and
labor, the Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention's Weekly Report said.
"The trend underscores concern from recent research about the toxicity of lead
even at low doses," the report said.
"The persistence of elevated blood-lead levels is primarily due to workplace
exposures. The slight increase in 2006 and 2007 rates over the 2005 rate after
declines since 1994, point to the need for stronger efforts by industry, labor,
government and others to reduce occupational exposures in sectors such as
battery manufacturing, mining of lead and zinc ores, painting and
paper-hanging."
Education of the public is needed to prevent non-occupational exposures from
recreational, home improvement and food sources, the report said.
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