Lead has many uses in industry. Lead is malleable and easy to extract. There is such a large demand for lead that the production of lead itself is a huge industry. Other businesses require lead to manufacture another product. Still other businesses buy lead-based products needed for day-to-day operations.

Manufacturers of batteries use the largest amounts of lead. Industries make products from lead such as solder, pipes, paints, glass, ammunition, roofing, and machined parts. The medical industry uses lead as a shielding from x-rays.

Despite its useful properties, employees face serious risk from lead poisoning. Federal and state regulations protect employees and the general public from risks caused by exposure to lead. Industry must implement safe handling practices and provide protective equipment to ensure employees that produce lead and lead-based products have protection and that the company meets regulations. Businesses that use lead-based products should also take precautions. Before buying lead-based products:

1. Find suppliers of lead ingots

2. Evaluate suppliers of products made from lead

3. Implement safe handling practices and first aid contingencies for workers exposed to airborne lead

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose resources for lead ingots

Suppliers carry a variety of items from lead ingot to lead sheeting. The price for lead ingots and other lead products varies from supplier to supplier. Availability varies depending on supply and demand.

I recommend: Non-Ferrous Metals Inc. of Seattle smelts lead ingots, lead shot, lead sheeting, and other basic products. Belmont Metals Inc. produces lead ingot and a variety of other metal products. Businesses can also buy lead ingots from Rotometals Inc.

Identify lead suppliers for your business needs

Suppliers carry a variety of items from lead ingot to lead sheeting. Handling or using these items typically poses no risk, though accidental ingestion may cause some symptoms. The price for lead ingots and other lead products varies from supplier to supplier.

I recommend: You can buy lead ingot from Mayco Industries, Inc., which sells a variety of lead products including roofing material, pure lead ingots, and radiation shielding. Radiation Protection Products, Inc. carries a variety of products made from lead material, including lead-lined drywall and lead bricks. Ray-Bar Engineering Company makes lead doors and other lead-based products to shield from x-rays.

Mitigate health risks to employees that work with lead

Lead increases health risks to the lead producer and to the lead product user. Businesses that use lead-based products can reduce their risk by establishing safe handling and disposal practices and first aid procedures. Lead ingot producers must take special care that their employees have protection from lead poisoning.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Labor compiles eTools to aid businesses in lowering risks in the workplace. The Secondary Lead Smelter eTool provides comprehensive tips for risk reduction in the lead smelting industry. Submarine Boat lists precautions you should take while working with lead. Recycle spent batteries at businesses such as BatteriesPlus.com, which recycles batteries and has retail outlets for battery purchases.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A worker generally contracts lead poisoning by inhaling lead-bearing dust or gas. Make sure that you ventilate any work space where employees process lead. Businesses should also consider providing respirators for workers who continuously work with lead.