Occupational and adult lead exposure in Wisconsin

Lead is a versatile metal with many industrial applications. It is among the oldest recognized occupational health hazards. Lead poisoning has been a reportable disease in Wisconsin since 1911. Although reportable, it was not until Wisconsin established an Occupational and Environmental Health Epidemiology program in 1979 that modern reporting levels were adopted, physician and laboratory reporting promoted and publicized, and elevated blood lead report tracking initiated. With the federal funding from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a comprehensive adult blood lead surveillance program was created in 1987. Eleven years of surveillance trend data reveal a Wisconsin success story. Most Wisconsin industries have made substantial strides toward reducing occupational lead exposure. The improvement is reflected in the reduced number of elevated blood lead levels in Wisconsin's adult blood lead surveillance data. However, Wisconsin must remain vigilant as new and re-emerging lead exposures continue to be identified through adult blood lead surveillance. Wisconsin will also need to continue with its occupational lead exposure reduction efforts if it is to achieve the Federal Healthy People 2010 goals and objectives to have no adult blood lead level greater than 25 micrograms/dL.