Lead Monitoring
Inorganic lead exposure assessment — air and biological monitoring
What Is Lead Monitoring?
Lead monitoring combines personal air sampling with biological monitoring (blood lead levels) to assess worker exposure to inorganic lead. Lead is a cumulative toxin causing neurotoxicity, anaemia, kidney damage, and reproductive harm.
The WES for inorganic lead dusts and fumes (as Pb) has been 0.05 mg/m³ TWA-8h since April 2018, and the WEL list keeps it at 0.05 mg/m³. Lead risk work triggers mandatory blood lead monitoring under WHS Regulations, and a worker must be removed from lead risk work at a blood lead level of 30 µg/dL, or 10 µg/dL for females of reproductive capacity.
How Is It Done?
Personal air sampling via IOM cassette or closed-face cassette. Analysis by ICP-MS or AAS. Biological monitoring via venous blood lead level (BLL).
When You Need This
- +Lead risk work as defined in WHS Regulations
- +Battery manufacturing, recycling, or smelting operations
- +Radiator repair, demolition of painted structures
- +Firing range maintenance or ventilation assessment
- +Biological monitoring programme support
Relevant Standards
Common Industries
Related Monitoring
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