Working in the construction industry is the leading cause of lead poisoning in adults. In New York, many buildings are older and contain lead paint, lead pipes, lead in the glaze of ceramic floor tiles, and lead in items around the building, such as ceramic products and jewelry.
OSHA has guidelines in place to protect construction industry workers from lead exposure on the job. When an employer violates these guidelines, workers can suffer from the effects of lead poisoning. Those who suffer from financial damages as a result of their exposure can seek compensation for their damages through construction accident claims.
Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
Most people are aware of the risks that lead exposure poses to children. Children are not the only age group affected by lead poisoning. Adults, too, can suffer from the ill effects of exposure to lead in their homes and workplaces. Symptoms of lead poisoning in adults include:
- High blood pressure;
- Headaches;
- Joint and muscle pain;
- Abdominal pain;
- Mood disorders;
- Memory and concentration difficulties;
- Reduced sperm count in men; and
- Miscarriage or birth defects in pregnant women.
In some cases, reducing your exposure to the lead is enough to lower the level of lead in your blood to safe point. When lead is too high to be reduced this way, you may need to receive treatment like chelation therapy.
What are the Signs of Lead Exposure in the Workplace?
When an individual is exposed to lead in the workplace, he or she may feel fatigued, irritable, or suffer from cramping and joint pain before experiencing the symptoms listed above.
Signs that a workplace could put workers at risk for lead exposure include peeling, cracking paint on the walls, broken tiles, and older piping. One way workers in any profession can be exposed to lead in the workplace is through the water. When water passes through lead pipes and plumbing fixtures, it can carry lead particles to the consumer.
How to Protect Yourself from Lead Exposure in your Workplace
As a construction worker, you likely get dirty at work and spend days in dusty environments. This dust most likely contains lead particles, so keeping the dust to a minimum by wet cleaning rather than dry sweeping, can lower your exposure to the lead.
When you work in dusty environments and others where lead is present, wear a well-fitting respirator. Wash your hands before eating and drinking. Always wear separate clothing for work and change out of it before you leave work for the day. Wash your work clothes separately from your casual clothing and your family’s clothing.
Work with Experienced Brooklyn Lead Poisoning Lawyers
If you are suffering from the effects of lead poisoning in your workplace, you have the right to file a construction accident claim to seek compensation for your resulting damages. To learn more, contact The Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum at 718-237-5586 to set up your initial consultation with an experienced construction accident lawyer in our Brooklyn office.
