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"Lead
can cause health problems." |
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You can be exposed to
lead if you work in: |
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- Battery
or valve manufacturing
- Radiator,
battery, or automobile repair
- Ceramics
making and glaze mixing
- Smelters
or mines
- Foundries
and scrap metal operations
- Soldering
or cutting metal
- Sanding
or stripping of old paint
- Demolition
of old buildings
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You can be
exposed to lead if you have the following hobbies: |
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- Making
fishing sinkers
- Shooting
in indoor firing ranges
- Making
bullet
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Lead poisoning occurs
when you: |
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- Swallow
lead dust
- Breathe
in lead fumes or dust
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Your doctor can
give you a blood test to see if you have lead poisoning.
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The
health problems caused by lead are:
- Brain and nervous system damage
- Anemia
- High blood pressure
- Kidney problems
- Low sperm count
- Slow reflexes
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|
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The earliest symptoms
of lead poisoning are: |
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- Tiredness
- trouble sleeping
- stomach problems
- headaches
- moodiness, and
- weakness in your arms and legs.
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To prevent lead
poisoning in your workplace: |
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- Do
not eat, smoke or drink when you are working.
- Wash
your hands and face before you eat.
- When
required, use a properly fitted respirator.
- Store
your street clothes in your locker.
- Shower and change into clean clothes and shoes before you leave
your workplace.
- Eat
a balanced diet.
-
Get a blood lead test.
|
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Your
employer must protect you when there is a risk of excessive lead
exposure in your work. Part of this protection is providing you with
information concerning toxic materials, like lead, to which you may be
exposed.
For health questions call:
The Arizona Department of Health Services
(602) 364-3118 or (800) 367-6412 |
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DON'T
BRING LEAD HOME! PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN!
If you work with lead, follow the health and safety
instructions given in your workplace.
Don't bring lead home!
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Lead
affects people of all ages, but it is most harmful to children
between 6 months and 6 years old.
Lead poisoning in children can cause:
- Problems with learning and behavior
- Hearing problems
- Stomach pain
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- Hyperactivity
- Constipation
- Vomiting
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High levels of lead in the body can cause coma,
convulsions, and in the most severe cases, death.
To PREVENT lead poisoning in your children:
- Shower
and take off your work clothes and shoes before coming home.
-
If you wash your own work clothes, wash them
separately from those of other family members.
- Do
not store batteries, radiators, or scrap metal at home.
- Keep
your vehicle clean.
- Do
not take children to work sites!
Ask
your doctor for a blood test to determine the level of lead in your
children's blood.
If
you have questions about lead poisoning, sources of lead, and lead
poisoning prevention, call Arizona Department of Health Services
toll-free at (800) 367-6412.
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