January 1, 2003—The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a report on elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in adults, which the organization says can damage the cardiovascular, central nervous, reproductive, hematologic, and renal systems. The majority of cases are workplace-related.
The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends that BLLs among all adults be reduced to <25 Fg/dL. The highest BLL acceptable by standards of the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration is 40 Fg/dL. The mean BLL of adults in the United States is <3 Fg/dL.
This report, Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance—United States, 1998-2001, covers cases of adults (over 16 years) with BLLs greater than 25 Fg/dL, as reported by 25 states during 1998-2001.
For more information on the Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance Program, visit the NIOSH ABLES page.
