While the battery industry is the world's largest consumer of lead, the chief sources of lead in the environment-and lead exposure to people-have been leaded gasoline, leaded paint, lead glaze on pottery, lead in water pipes and fixtures, and lead solder. Association with these products and their issues have led to several lead-acid battery myths, making lead-acid batteries one of the most misunderstood products of our time.

Excess lead exposure from leaded gasoline, lead-based paint, improperly glazed pottery and contaminated soil can constitute a serious health risk, particularly to young children. However, advances in lead-related monitoring, production and safety have significantly reduced these risks in recent decades and average blood lead levels, particularly in the developed world, have fallen dramatically.

Industry commitment to lead-acid battery safety has lead emissions from battery manufacturing accounting for less than one percent of the country's total estimated lead emissions—an incredible amount considering the 80 percent of lead usage in the country for which these manufacturers are responsible

There are only two ways for the body to take in lead: either by ingestion or inhalation. Lead is not usually absorbed through the skin or hair.

Lead in the body is measured by the amount of lead in the blood and sometimes in the bone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], the level of concern is for children whose blood lead measures 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of whole blood. Parents should look at the child's environment to see if there are any sources of lead, such as old leaded paint. If a child has a level of 15 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood, parents should look at the child's home, school and play environments and their own jobs, hobbies or other situations that could expose the child to lead. For more information on children and lead, go to the CDC Web site on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] threshold for adult workers in battery plants is 50 micrograms of lead per deciliter of whole blood. A worker who tests at a 50 will be moved to a different job in the facility until his or her blood lead level falls. The employee will be counseled and monitored to keep the blood level below the OSHA threshold.

Through a voluntary agreement made with OSHA in 1996, Battery Council members have been working to reduce the 50 microgram medical removal threshold to 40 micrograms within the next five years to continue lead-acid battery safety efforts. Blood testing is an important tool for people who are regularly exposed to lead.

As a result of a voluntary industry effort, Battery Council members have achieved substantial reductions in the blood lead levels of their workers, whose levels now average far less than this 50 microgram target. This success reflects continuing capital investment and emphasis on employee work practices and education.

Battery manufacturers and recyclers have education programs and health maintenance programs for their employees, backed up by regular blood lead testing efforts. Regular monitoring of blood lead levels allows a physician to track the success of lead-reduction programs. Test results are a critical tool in the employees' health management programs.

In the workplace, ventilation systems and technology help protect workers. But good work habits and good hygiene are equally powerful protectors for adults in the workplace.