Elevated blood lead levels among adults in Massachusetts, 1991-1995

Objective, Lead poisoning, the oldest recognized occupational disease, rema ins a danger for children and adults, Data collected for 664 cases reported to the Massachusetts Occupational Lead Registry in 1991-1995 were summariz ed in a 1998 state report. Here, the authors present some of the key findin gs from that report for a wider audience. Methods. The authors summarize key findings of the 1998 state report. Findings. Construction workers, in particular licensed deleaders and house painters, accounted for almost 70% of occupational cases involving blood le ad levels greater than or equal to 40 micrograms of lead per deciliter (mcg /dl) of blood. Among 100 workers with the highest blood lead levels (greate r than or equal to 60 mcg/dl), 29% were house painters. Hispanic workers we re over-represented in the Registry. A small proportion of cases were non-o ccupational, typically associated with recreational use of firing ranges or do-it-yourself home renovations, Conclusion. Lead poisoning is a preventable disease, yet these data indicat e that additional prevention efforts are warranted.