Lead in a Baltimore shipyard

Abstract

Objective: The goal was to monitor the effectiveness of the Coast Guard Yard's lead program by comparing a shipyard period in 1991 to one in 2002-2003. Methods: Comparisons of airborne lead levels by paint removal techniques, airborne lead levels by welding techniques, and blood lead levels of workers were evaluated by χ2 analysis. Results: Airborne lead levels in paint removal techniques decreased over time for all methods used. Airborne lead levels in welding techniques decreased over time for all methods used. Blood lead levels of the high-risk group revealed a 2-fold reduction (prevalence rate ratio = 8.3; 95% confidence interval, 3.7-18.6) and in the low-risk group revealed a 1.6-fold reduction (prevalence rate ratio = 6.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.86-44.7). Conclusion: The Coast Guard Yard runs an effective lead program that exceeds the national Healthy People 2010 goal for lead. The results validate the Coast Guard Yard's use of air-line respirators and lead-free paint on all vessels. Reprint & Copyright © by Association of Military Surgeons of U.S., 2006.