Oklahoma finds lead exposure in children of oil field workers

    Oct. 27, 2010
    Four children were exposed to lead poisoning through threading compound that was brought home on the clothing of their parents, oil field workers, reports the Oklahoma Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (OCLPP).Commonly called pipe dope, some types of threading compound contain 30-60% lead. The Oklahoma State Department of Health said three oil field workers left drilling sites and laundered their work clothes at home. Two of the four children were siblings.“There could be more undocumented cases as a result of oil field workers taking lead home,” said Fahad Khan, OCLPPP surveillance coordinator. “Given the health hazards associated with pipe dope containing lead, employers and worksites should also consider effective alternative options like lead-free biodegradable pipe dopes or dope-free connections.” The Oklahoma lead exposure cases involved children ranging in age from 6-22 months during 2006-09. Blood lead tests documented their exposure.Environmental lead levels were documented in the clothes, shoes, and furniture of their parents, indicating “take-home” lead exposure. Elevated environmental lead levels also were found inside washing machines used to launder family clothing and work clothing.Health department officials recommend oil field workers do not enter their homes until they have taken showers and changed into clean clothes and shoes. A worker dressed in work clothes should not pick up a child, and work clothes should be kept separate from family clothing. US Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards call for employers to provide for the cleaning of protective work clothing to prevent lead dispersion. The OCLPPP recommends employers and worksite mangers work with the Oklahoma Department of Labor’s Safety Pays OSHA Consultation Division and the Mid-Continent Exploration & Production Safety Network to ensure that exposure of lead in pipe dopes does not extend beyond the work site.
    Four children were exposed to lead poisoning through threading compound that was brought home on the clothing of their parents, oil field workers, reports the Oklahoma Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (OCLPP).Commonly called pipe dope, some types of threading compound contain 30-60% lead. The Oklahoma State Department of Health said three oil field workers left drilling sites and laundered their work clothes at home. Two of the four children were siblings.“There could be more undocumented cases as a result of oil field workers taking lead home,” said Fahad Khan, OCLPPP surveillance coordinator. “Given the health hazards associated with pipe dope containing lead, employers and worksites should also consider effective alternative options like lead-free biodegradable pipe dopes or dope-free connections.” The Oklahoma lead exposure cases involved children ranging in age from 6-22 months during 2006-09. Blood lead tests documented their exposure.Environmental lead levels were documented in the clothes, shoes, and furniture of their parents, indicating “take-home” lead exposure. Elevated environmental lead levels also were found inside washing machines used to launder family clothing and work clothing.Health department officials recommend oil field workers do not enter their homes until they have taken showers and changed into clean clothes and shoes. A worker dressed in work clothes should not pick up a child, and work clothes should be kept separate from family clothing.US Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards call for employers to provide for the cleaning of protective work clothing to prevent lead dispersion. The OCLPPP recommends employers and worksite mangers work with the Oklahoma Department of Labor’s Safety Pays OSHA Consultation Division and the Mid-Continent Exploration & Production Safety Network to ensure that exposure of lead in pipe dopes does not extend beyond the work site.
    About the Author

    Paula Dittrick | Senior Staff Writer

    Paula Dittrick has covered oil and gas from Houston for more than 20 years. Starting in May 2007, she developed a health, safety, and environment beat for Oil & Gas Journal. Dittrick is familiar with the industry’s financial aspects. She also monitors issues associated with carbon sequestration and renewable energy.

    Dittrick joined OGJ in February 2001. Previously, she worked for Dow Jones and United Press International. She began writing about oil and gas as UPI’s West Texas bureau chief during the 1980s. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska in 1974.

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