Lead Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson, NJ,  March 13^th , 2019

Last year, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) that examined lead poisoning risks of workers at a lead bullet manufacturer. HHE Report No. 2017-0146-3310 was initiated after the owner of the plant expressed concerns about potential employee lead exposures.

According to the HHE report, nine of ten employees, including those working in the packaging and shipping bay, had blood lead levels that were equal to or above 5 micrograms per deciliter, a level that NIOSH considers high. The range was from 4 to 35 micrograms per deciliter. The document also states that although personal airborne lead exposures were below occupational exposure limits, lead was found on employees’ hands after washing and on non-work surfaces such as in the breakroom and on an outdoor picnic table. Inconsistent handwashing, dry sweeping that generates airborne lead dust, and eating and drinking in lead contaminated areas contributed to unnecessary lead exposures through inhalation and ingestion according to the HHE report.

“Workers in many different industries are unfortunately still being exposed to lead in far too many instances,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These workers need better training, effective safety measures and personal protective equipment in many instances. At EMSL we have laboratories across the United States and Canada that offer industrial hygiene and environmental lead testing services for air, water, dust, soil, surface and bulk material samples. EMSL provides all of the sampling supplies necessary and even has indoor environmental quality test kits for lead. We also carry a full line of respirators and other personal protective equipment essential for preventing lead poisoning hazards in high risk occupations.”

To help educate workers and employers about lead exposure risks in the work environment, EMSL has sponsored a video on this important topic that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/9Xcns9ZY_bo.

To learn more about lead or other environmental and occupational testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. For access to test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.