Occupational
Health Testing

Lead Exposure

Lead Health testing

ABOUT

Lead health surveillance is a critical component of occupational health and safety, specifically on worksites where exposure to lead may occur; either through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.

CONTACT US
A scientist or laboratory worker wearing a bright orange protective suit and gloves is holding a beaker containing a liquid sample. The worker is conducting scientific analysis and research,

Lead Health Surveillance in Canada

Jurisdictional Requirements

In Canada, workplace health and safety regulations emphasize the need to protect workers from hazardous substances like lead. Regular health monitoring allows employers to detect early signs of lead exposure, assess the effectiveness of existing control measures, and implement timely interventions to prevent long-term harm.

VIEW REQUIREMENTS
RELATED TRAINING & PROGRAMS

Respirator Fit Tester Training

The SureHire Respirator Fit Tester Training course equips participants to perform quantitative and qualitative respirator fit testing in accordance with CSA standards (CAN/CSA-Z94.4-18). Learners will gain skills in respirator requirements, component identification, workspace setup, user pre-qualification, fit testing, and comfort assessments following best practices.

Learn More

Asbestos Awareness

The Asbestos Awareness course is designed to equip participants with essential knowledge about asbestos, its associated health risks, and the necessary safety procedures to prevent exposure.

Learn More

SafeStart Field Essentials

SafeStart Field Essentials is an entry-level safety course designed to prepare new field personnel for success in remote and demanding work environments. Through interactive lessons and real-world scenarios, participants learn pre-work preparation, hazard recognition, PPE use, safety communication, and mental health strategies to stay safe and perform at their best.

Learn More

Interested in learning more?

RESOURCES

Arrow

FAQs

If lead levels are high enough, even short-term exposure can result in serious health problems. However, because lead poisoning is often initially asymptomatic, it is often difficult to catch until after the damage to organs is done, which is why employee monitoring is so critical. Anemia, kidney and brain damage are all severe symptoms of exposure to excessively high levels of lead. It can also cross the placental barrier and damage a baby’s central nervous system. Additional symptoms of adult exposure can include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Memory loss
  • Pain or tingling in the hands and/or feet
  • General weakness

The long-term effects of lead poisoning can be even more damaging. Lead is considered a carcinogen by both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other organizations. Long term exposure is also linked to high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease, kidney disease, and reduced fertility. Additional risks associated with long term exposure to lead can include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Forgetfulness
  • Irritability
  • Nausea

Workers in the following industries are at the highest risk of occupational exposure to lead:

  • metalwork;
  • manufacturing;
  • demolition;
  • working with scrap metal;
  • and working with batteries (manufacturing and recycling)

A number of other occupations also carry a high risk of lead exposure, including all of the following:

  • artists, jewelers and potters
  • battery or metal recycling workers
  • chrome plating workers
  • demolition & renovation workers
  • electronic manufacturing workers
  • foundry workers
  • galvanizing or galvanized metal processing workers
  • glass manufacturer & recycling workers
  • lead abatement workers
  • lead manufacturers, miners
  • refiners & smelters
  • painters that apply industrial coatings
  • plastics manufacturing
  • plumbers & pipefitters
  • radiator & automotive repair technicians
  • shooting range workers
  • type press printing & stamp production workers
  • welders
A woman in a business suit sits at a desk, talking on the phone with a focused expression.

Connect With
Our Team

Our Team of experts is here to assist you and answer any questions you may have

Contact Us
SureHire
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.