Washington State Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance -ABLES
Lead exposure can cause anemia, nervous system dysfunction, kidney problems, hypertension, decreased fertility, and increased level of miscarriages. The majority of adults with elevated blood lead are exposed to lead at work. Workers can bring lead home and expose their families. Children exposed to lead may exhibit symptoms of neurologic damage, including learning disabilities and short attention spans.
ABLES Annual Surveillance Report - 2016
GOAL
The goal of the Washington State ABLES program is to prevent elevated blood lead in adults and their families.
Objectives
- Identify adults with elevated blood lead.
- Identify industries, occupations, and activities that cause elevated blood lead.
- Implement strategies to prevent elevated blood lead and lead exposures.
Case Definition
An elevated blood lead level is defined as 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dl) or greater in an adult (16 years of age or older) and 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dl) or greater in a child.
Health Care Providers' Role in Preventing Elevated Blood Lead
Please complete and submit a Blood Lead Test (BLT) form with each patient to provide important information on industries, occupations, and activities that cause elevated blood lead. This eliminates the need for telephone follow-up.
Please fax (preferred) to: 360-902-5672 or mail to:
ABLES Program
PO Box 44330
Olympia WA 98504-4330
Laboratory Reporting
Laboratories are required to submit all blood lead test results to the Washington State Department of Health under Washington State's Notifiable Conditions Rule (WAC 246-101), Elevated blood lead results must be reported within 2 days. Non-elevated blood lead levels must be reported monthly.
Elevated Blood Lead Prevention Resources
Occupational Lead Exposure Alerts
- For Workers (en Español)
- For Employers
- For Health Care Providers
- Indoor Firing Ranges
- Bridge Repair
- Scrap Metal