Glass Decoration and Lead Absorption

Following the observation of an abnormal lead absorption level (PbB 72 micrograms/100 ml.) in a young female glass decorator during a routine laboratory test, blood lead levels were measured in glass decorators of the entire area of the Local Health Unit of Treviso (Northern Italy).  Abnormal lead absorption was found in a large number of glass workers, the source of exposure being the high concentration of inorganic lead in the 'low-melting' paints that were used (brush and spray painting).  Most of the exposed workers were females of fertile age, for whom even a moderate exposure to inorganic lead may constitute a risk during pregnancy.  Attempts to reduce lead exposure levels by means of a health education program and environmental improvements at the workplace were unsuccessful.  In conclusion, a reduction in lead absorption in female glass decoration workers can only be achieved by using 'low-melting' paints with a lower lead content.

 
( Many stained glass artists airbrush lead-based paints and are at high risk of lead poisoning.  Airbrushing should be done in a spray booth; otherwise, a NIOSH-approved toxic dust respirator should be worn.  Other precautions include wet mopping of surfaces to remove accumulated lead dust, and regular blood lead tests.  Lead poisoning also concerns men, since lead has been shown to damage chromosomes. - Ed.)

 
The preceding abstract was reprinted with permission from Section 35, Occupational Health and Industrial Medicine, of Excerpta Medica.

Risk of abnormal lead absorption in glass decoration workers (Ital). - Polato R., Morossi G., Furlan I., and Moro. G. - Servizio di Prevenzione. ULSS 10, 31100 Treviso 1TA - MED. LAV. 1989 80 2(136-139) - summ in ENGL.

Art Hazard News, Volume 12, No. 10, 1989

This article was originally printed for Art Hazard News, © copyright Center for Safety in the Arts 1989. It appears on CAR courtesy of the Health in the Arts Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, who have curated a collection of these articles from their archive which are still relevant to artists today.