Lead means metallic lead, all inorganic lead compounds, and organic lead soaps; excluded from this definition are all other organic lead compounds. Lead particles small enough to be inhaled into the lungs are readily absorbed into the blood and circulate throughout the body. The most crucial area damaged by lead is the brain. At relatively low levels, lead exposure can result in a permanent decrease in the IQ of children. At higher levels, anemia can occur in both adults and children. The EPA Air Quality Standard for lead is set at 1.5 ug/m3 averaged over a calendar quarter.

The Lead Awareness service includes:

• Determination of any employee that may be exposed to lead at or above the action level (50 ug/m3 averaged over an 8-hr period).
• Air sampling to obtain personal air samples representative of a full shift including at least one sample for each job classification in each work area, either for each shift or for the shift with the highest exposure level
• Implementation of employee protective measures and equipment
• Employee training
• Written compliance program
• Inspections of job sites, regulated areas, materials, and equipment