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
- 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
- Lead Poisoning – Know the Facts – Protect Your Family Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
- For Pregnant & Nursing Persons: Protecting You and Your Child from the Harmful Effects of Lead Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
- Take-home Lead: a Preventable Risk for Your Family Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
- Take-Home Lead: Guidance for Local Health Departments: Targeted Intervention to Prevent Take-Home Lead
- 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”
- Lead Free Kids
- FDA warning on Chelation agents
- 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
- 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.
- ATSDR Toxicological Profile: LEAD
- MIOSHA Standard: Lead in General Industry (Part 310)
- MIOSHA Standard: Lead in Construction (Part 603)
- National Lead Statistics. MMWR August 18, 2006; 55(32):876-879
- Adult Lead Exposure Mailed Survey
- Lead Poisoning Questionnaire
- Guidance for Local Health Departments: Targeted Intervention to Prevent Take-Home Lead
updated 7/13/2018