Exposure to lead in the world of work: Impacts for occupational safety and health

Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal, whose widespread use in many industries has impacted the health of numerous workers globally. Exposure to this hazardous metal can severely damage body systems and organs, leading to disability, life-long illness and even death. Workers in many sectors are exposed, including those in used lead-acid battery (ULAB) recycling, construction, painting, mining and smelting.