LEAD EXPOSURE DURING REMOVAL OF LEAD-BASED PAINT USING VACUUM BLASTING

Choosing a paint removal method can be difficult when considering worker safety, surface preparation, productivity, and containment of contaminants. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) focuses its attention on worker safety issues, based on the increasing number of reports of lead poisoning among bridge workers. This article describes the initial part of a study in which NIOSH representatives spent 2 days monitoring air-borne lead concentrations during vacuum blasting to remove paint from a bridge near New York City. The air monitoring data provides information to industry leaders on air-borne lead and dust concentrations during vacuum blasting of steel structures. Exposure to lead during hammering, chiseling, and scraping is addressed. Generalizations about exposure levels, however, should be avoided as only one job site is represented. NIOSH is initiating a program to evaluate engineering controls in this idustry.