Inorganic lead - What are the OHS risks?
Prolonged lead exposure can have serious health effects and can severely diminish a person's quality of life.
Workers in a number of industries can be exposed to lead in the workplace. Among these are smelting and refining, radiator repair shops, battery manufacture and recycling, plastics, and ammunition and metal products manufacturing.
If a process generates lead dust, fumes or mists, lead can be inhaled or swallowed. Long-term exposure can cause a range of both immediate and long-term health problems.
High lead levels can cause:
- headaches
- tiredness
- irritability
- nausea
- stomach pains
- anaemia.
Continued exposure can cause far more serious symptoms, such as kidney damage, nerve and brain damage, paralysis, lead palsy and even death.
Lead exposure can also affect both male and female reproductive systems. A developing foetus is particularly at risk, especially in the early weeks before a pregnancy becomes known.