OSHA Lead in Construction Advisor

Biological Monitoring

What is the purpose of biological monitoring?

The purpose of biological monitoring is to identify workers with elevated blood lead levels. The data from biological monitoring are objective evidence of a worker's body burden from lead exposure, and these data can be used to follow changes in worker exposure.

Blood lead and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) or free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) must be monitored for those workers exposed to lead at or above the action level, as well as for employees performing high exposure "trigger tasks" during initial exposure assessment. In general, workers in high-risk occupations should be monitored as often as needed to prevent adverse health effects. The standard mandates the blood lead monitoring frequency.

Where should analysis of blood samples be conducted?

Analysis of blood samples must be conducted by a laboratory currently approved by OSHA. Employers should contact their local OSHA area office for a current list of approved labs or visit OSHA's Internet site: www.osha.gov

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