Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance (ABLES)
Lead exposure is an ongoing health problem in U.S. workplaces. NIOSH’s ABLES program examines trends in adult workplace lead exposure to determine where exposures are occurring. ABLES helps state health departments, or their designee, monitor workplace lead exposure trends and find ways to prevent work-related lead exposures.
Lead exposure causes short-term and long-term health effects.
It can affect many organ systems, ranging from changes in function to death.
Even at low doses, lead exposure can cause:
Heart and kidney problems
Problems with thinking (mental dysfunction)
Reproductive health and pregnancy problems
There is no safe level of lead exposure.
Lead exposure occurs in four main industries.
- Manufacturing (e.g., Battery manufacturing)
- Construction (e.g., Highway, street and bridge construction)
- Services (e.g., Automotive, mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance)
- Mining (e.g., Lead and zinc ore mining)
Learn more about ABLES activities by contacting Rebecca Tsai, PhD (rtsai@cdc.gov).
