RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The objectives are to compare lead blood concentrations in veterinary workers using lead shielding with concentrations in a control population, to measure hand surface lead before and after use of shielding, and to compare hand surface lead with and without the use of disposable gloves worn under hand shielding. METHODS: Blood and hand wipe samples were analyzed for lead using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: There was no difference in blood lead between exposed and control groups. After lead glove use, 69% (18/26) of hand surface lead samples from workers not using disposable gloves were greater than 500 µg, 42% (11/26) were greater than 1000 µg, and 12% (3/26) were greater than 2000 µg. CONCLUSIONS: If lead shielding use is unavoidable, disposable gloves should be worn, and skin should be decontaminated after use.