Lead poisoning among construction workers renovating a previously deleaded bridge

This study evaluated lead poisoning among construction workers renovating a previously deleaded bridge. Twelve of 44 tested workers had blood leads exceeding 20 micrograms/dL. One was 50 micrograms/dL and two exceeded 40 micrograms/dL. Following medical intervention, blood leads dropped significantly, while ZPPs did not. Renovation released lead that had been inaccessible during deleading. Workers did not use engineering controls or respirators, change clothes, wash hands, or shower. Intervention included a lead-compliance program with provisions for exposure evaluation, training, hygiene, and engineering controls. Construction contractors and workers need to be aware that deleading of bridges and other structures may not remove lead from inaccessible locations. In particular, owners of these structures should specify provisions for anticipating and controlling this hazard in contracts.