Surveillance of Lead Exposure in Michigan (Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance-ABLES)

Blood lead levels of Michigan residents, including children, have been monitored by the state since 1992. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)  promulgated regulations effective October 11, 1997 that require laboratories to submit blood lead lab reports of both children and adults for ALL blood lead testing done on Michigan residents.  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) compiles adult blood lead levels as part of the Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance (ABLES) Program. The majority of states participate in this program. Elevated blood lead levels are identified primarily from reports from clinical laboratories.                         

If an adult works with lead, all children under the age of 6 who live or frequently visit the adult's home should be tested because "take-home" lead can be brought home on clothes and footwear. See our guidance for local health departments in creating a program to target and prevent take-home lead exposures.

 RESOURCES:

• Most Recent ANNUAL REPORT
• Most Recent DATA FACT SHEET
• Blood Lead Surveillance for Flint Adults: January 2010 - October 2017
• Project SENSOR (Occupational Surveillance) NEWS: Elevated Blood Lead Levels (Vol 25, No.1).
• Project SENSOR (Occupational Surveillance) NEWS: Normal Values for Blood Lead (Vol.12; No.2)
• Working Safely with Lead (Brochure)
• Lead Hazards from Hobby Casting and Reloading (Brochure)
• Lead Safety with Firearms: Lead Hazards at Indoor Firing Ranges (Brochure)
• OSHA Fact Sheet - Protecting Workers from Lead Hazards at Indoor Firing Ranges
• OSHA Quick Card - Protecting Workers from Lead Exposure at Indoor Firing Ranges
• Help to Make Your Home and Family Lead-Safe - Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program 
• EPA Lead webpage topics - Learn about Lead, Protect Your Family, Renovate Right For Contractors and Training Providers, ... and more ... 
• EPA: Lead Abatement Program for Permanent Elimination of Lead-Based Paint - Evaluating and Eliminating Lead-Based Paint Hazards
• EPA website for “Lead Exposure Associated with Renovation and Remodeling Activities”
• Pregnancy -- Information you need on Lead Exposure and risks to young families (Brochure)
• Are You Pregnant? Learn how to Protect Yourself and Your Baby from Lead Poisoning -  New York Adult Lead Exposure during Pregnancy
• Lead Free Kids
• FDA warning on Chelation agents
• Fight Lead Poisoning with a Healthy Diet
• NIOSH Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance (ABLES) Program
• Environmental Health Perspectives article on the Heavy Burden of Lead
• Management Guidelines for Blood Lead Levels in Adults. Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) Occupational Subcommittee
• Medical Management Guidelines for Lead-Exposed Adults -  Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC)
• Recommendations for Medical Management of Adult Lead Exposure. Environmental Health Perspectives 2007; 115:463-471 Kosnet et al
• Very High Blood Lead Among Adults - United States, 2002-2011. MMWR Nov 29, 2013; 62(47):967-971.
• Elevated Blood Lead Among Employed Adults - United States, 1994-2013. MMWR October 14, 2016; 63(55):59-65.
• Blood Lead Levels in Children Aged 5 Years - United States, 2007-2013. MMWR October 14, 2016; 63(55):66-72.
• Investigation of Childhood Lead Poisoning from Parental Take-Home Exposure from an Electronic Scrap Recycling Facility - Ohio, 2012. MMWR July 17, 2015; 64(27): 743-745.
• Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals-Updated Tables; CDC, July 2014
• ATSDR Toxicological Profile: LEAD
• MIOSHA Standard: Lead in General Industry (Part 310)
• MIOSHA Standard: Lead in Construction (Part 603)
• Lead Level Recommendations updates from Health Advisory Committees
• National Lead Statistics.  MMWR August 18, 2006; 55(32):876-879
• OSHA List of Laboratories Approved for Blood Lead Analysis (The list is alphabetical by state)
• Michigan Blood Lead Analysis Reporting Form
• Lead Poisoning Questionnaire
• Adult Lead Exposure Mailed Survey

 updated 7/13/2018