Airborne Lead Exposure to Workers during Deleading Activity as Part of a Building Demolition Project

Abstract

An evaluation of airborne lead exposure was conducted during abatement of a building as part of its demolition. Personal airborne exposure concentrations were collected over 29 working days. These results suggest, for this study, that exposure levels are highly variable, exhibit a nonnormal distribution and frequently exceed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Permissible Exposure Limit for lead. Various engineering and work practice controls were employed during this project to reduce exposure levels, although the contractor did at times employ prohibited practices. Exposure results from this study suggest that lead abatement workers involved in demolition are not a homogenous group for sampling purposes. Studies are needed to evaluate engineering controls, work practices and worker exposure to airborne lead during abatement of buildings that are being demolished.