Lead is a toxic metal and the dangers of exposure have been known for years. Despite this knowledge, some people are still being exposed to unsafe levels of lead in their homes, schools and in the workplace.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that it does not matter if a person breathes-in, swallows or absorbs lead particles, the health effects are the same; however, the body absorbs higher levels of lead when it is breathed-in. Lead also typically affects children more than it does adults.

There are similar and different health effects listed by NIOSH for short-term overexposure and prolonged exposure to lead. The agency reports lead poisoning can happen if a person is exposed to very high levels of lead over a short period, and when this happens, a person may feel abdominal pain, constipated, tired, headachy, irritable, loss of appetite, memory loss, pain or tingling in the hands and/or feet, and weak. NIOSH goes on to share that exposure to high levels of lead may also cause anemia, and kidney and brain damage. Very high lead exposure can cause death.

Health effects from prolonged exposure to lead reported by NIOSH include someone possibly feeling abdominal pain, constipated, depressed, distracted, forgetful, irritable, and nauseous or sick. People with prolonged exposure to lead may also be at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, and reduced fertility according to the agency. Lead is also considered to be a likely human carcinogen.

“Lead poisoning is entirely preventable and EMSL Analytical has been helping to protect workers and the public from exposure risks for decades,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Our environmental and industrial hygiene laboratories, located across the United States and Canada, provide testing services for lead and other heavy metals. We also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and personal protective equipment.”

EMSL Analytical recently sponsored an educational video about some of the health problems caused by lead exposure listed by NIOSH that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/Gt9RSmIlh3s

To learn more about lead or other environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com . For access to environmental test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC's, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

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