Health Alert

Protecting Miners from Lead Hazards

Mining processes can generate dangerous concentrations of lead, a metal that can cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive system if inhaled or ingested.

How to Avoid Lead Exposure:

• Wear an air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency filters in all work areas that have exposure to lead dust or fumes.
• Be clean shaven and fit tested to ensure maximum respirator efficiency.
• Change into clean work clothes and shoes before beginning work each day.
• Eat or drink in areas free of lead dust and fumes.
• Wash your hands and face before you eat or drink.
• Vacuum your work clothes and shoes before you eat or drink and before you remove them.
• Launder your clothes at work. If you must take work clothes home, wash and dry them separately.
• Avoid raising lead dust with dry sweeping or compressed air.
• Use a HEPA vacuum and/or wet mopping for cleaning floors and surfaces.
• Conduct training on the hazards of lead and the precautions needed to protect miners.

If you work with or around lead containing materials, you should be enrolled in a medical surveillance program and be tested for lead in your blood.

YOUR FAMILY CAN GET SICK IF YOU 
TAKE HOME LEAD DUST ON YOUR 
CLOTHES AND SHOES. 

Miners and mine operators can find safety and health information on MSHA.gov.