Battery Manufacturing
The major source of lead exposure in battery manufacturing is lead dust. Any operation in which battery plates, lead scrap, or oxide is handled may be a significant source of lead exposure. Other sources of lead dust include drossing lead pots, wind, dry sweeping, and resuspension of settled dust. Lead particles can also become airborne via attachment to acid or water mists. Lead fumes from lead pots, torching, burning, or other operations where a flame contacts lead, or lead is heated above the melting point, may also be sources of lead exposure.
Oral ingestion of lead compounds may be a major route of exposure in contaminated workplaces. Most exposures occur with inorganic lead. Once in the blood, lead is distributed primarily to the blood, soft tissue (kidney, bone marrow, liver, and brain), and mineralizing tissue (bones and teeth). Absorption via the gastrointestinal track following ingestion is highly dependent upon presence of levels of calcium, iron, fats, and proteins.
The effects of lead are the same whether it enters the body through breathing or swallowing. The main target for lead toxicity is the nervous system. Long-term exposure to lead at work has resulted in decreased performance in some tests that measure functions of the nervous system. Lead exposure may also cause weakness in fingers, wrists, or ankles. Lead exposure may also cause anemia, a low number of red blood cells. At high levels of exposure, lead can severely damage the brain and kidneys. In pregnant women, high levels of exposure to lead may cause miscarriage. High-level exposure in men can damage the organs responsible for sperm production.
Controlling the exposure to lead can be done through engineering controls, administrative actions, and Personal safety equipment. Engineering controls include things such as process design and modification, equipment design, enclosure and isolation, isolating the source and using ventilation systems. Administrative actions include limiting the worker's exposure time and providing showers. Personal safety equipment include wearing the proper breathing protection and clothing.
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