CDC 24/7 - Protecting People - South Carolina's Success
Protecting Adults from Lead Exposure
What is the problem?
Even though lead poisoning often is considered to be a children’s health issue, hobbies or jobs can put adults at risk. Exposure to high levels of lead can damage the brain, nerves, and kidneys. Symptoms of lead exposure may not be noticed until blood lead levels are very high. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires blood lead testing for some workers to ensure that they are not overexposed to lead.
What did Tracking do?
The South Carolina Tracking Program built and maintains a database of blood lead testing results for the state. They initiate follow up for cases of elevated lead results in children. And, they partner with the SC Occupational Safety and Health Administration (SC OSHA) to monitor adult blood lead levels. Tracking staff create quarterly reports on elevated adult blood lead levels. SC OSHA uses the information in these reports to decide where to conduct targeted inspections of worksites where employees’ blood lead levels were above regulation limits.
Improved public health
The SC Tracking Program identified 89 cases of elevated blood lead levels in occupational settings in 2012. As a result, SC OSHA inspected four workplaces and issued citations containing 15 violations. Some worksites were required to pay fines and all were required to reduce lead exposures. Workers in these locations now have safer work environments where their risk for lead exposure has been decreased or eliminated.
Sharing information about the coastal environment
What is the problem?
South Carolina’s large, densely populated coastal area attracts tourists year round. Currently, no one resource informs people about all coastal area issues such as beach conditions and closures.
What did Tracking do?
The South Carolina Tracking Program partnered with state and federal agencies to develop a Coastal EnvironmentExternal Web page. This Web page is now a content area on South Carolina’s EPHT Web site.
Improved public health
Residents and visitors to South Carolina’s coastal area now have access to information such as:
- Real-time weather,
- Environmental advisories and closures,
- Beach conditions, and
- Marine animal diseases.
This information helps residents and visitors better understand how the state’s coastal environment may affect travel plans and health.