Skip directly to local search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options
CDC Home

LEAD

sign that warns of fuel containing lead

Many worry about lead in their homes or in the environment, but for some, the workplace may provide the most potential for exposure. Within this site, you’ll find information about workplace lead and what workers and employers can do to lower exposure.

Lead is used in many industries, including construction, mining, and manufacturing. In each of these industries, workers are at risk of being exposed to lead, by breathing it in, ingesting it, or coming in contact with it.

Lead is a toxic metal that is also used in burning fossil fuels. It can be combined with other metals to produce alloys. Lead and lead alloys are often used to make batteries, ammunition, and other metal products. Years ago, lead was also used regularly in paint, ceramics, caulk, and pipe solder among other things. Because of its potential health problems, the amount of lead used in these products today has lessened or has been removed.

Learn more about lead in the workplace and how you can keep yourself and your family from being exposed.

Lead Topics

 
View Related Topic in
Contact Us:
USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - cdcinfo@cdc.gov