Pregnant Women, Babies, & Children

Lead can cross the placental barrier, which means it poses a risk for developing fetuses as well. Stillbirths, miscarriages, and birth defects have all been attributed to lead poisoning. Furthermore, many babies are born mentally or behaviorally disabled, and some may die within their first year of life.

Infants and children exposed to lead within the home often suffer impaired intellectual and neurological development, and are also at risk for the same health problems that adults face. Children are more susceptible to lead dust, because they intake more oxygen and also may absorb 40 percent more lead during digestion than adults do. Together, this means children absorb about three times as much lead from their environment as adults do. Even small amounts of lead, brought home from the workplace on an individual's hair or clothes, can negatively affect children. This is why 8 CCR 1532.1 requires employers to offer showers if possible, as well as work clothes that do not leave the worksite. If showers are not available, employees must wash their hands and faces before returning home.

To learn more about Construction Lead Exposure visit our Cal/OSHA Construction Lead Exposure Online Training web page.