Exposure to lead in stained glass work. An environmental evaluation.

An environmental evaluation was conducted to determine lead exposure in a group of crafts people who produce stained glass and Tiffany glass. The environmental evaluation consisted of air sampling for potential lead emissions from solder and of work area dusts. In addition, the completion of a questionnaire, observation of work practices and noting of other details relevant to hazardous exposures were carried out. Lead concentrations in air were found to be well below the ACGIH TLV-TWA of 150 micrograms/m3. High lead concentrations were found in the work area dust samples. Exposure to high concentrations of lead could occur by ingestion as a result of neglect of basic hygiene precautions.