LEAD Pure lead is a heavy metal and is a basic chemical element, lead is combined with many other substances to form numerous compounds. This includes the alteration, repair or removal of structures that contain lead. Occupational exposure to lead usually occurs through inhalation or ingestion, lead is not usually absorbed through the skin. When lead is in the air, as a dust fume or mist, it can be inhaled and absorbed through the lungs and upper respiratory tract.
Inhalation is the most common source of occupational lead exposure.
Most of the lead that is absorbed through the lungs or the digestive tract enters the blood stream. Some of this lead in your blood stream will be excreted, the rest of it will remain in the blood and be stored in other tissues. It is the goal of the University to not only comply with mandated standards but to achieve the lowest practical levels of lead exposure to employees, students and visitors. It is necessary that University employees receive information about the health effects of lead exposure, the types and locations of lead-containing materials in their workplace. They also need to be informed about who to contact in case they suspect that there is damage to lead containing materials.