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Overexposure to lead is one of the most common overexposures found in industry. Lead overexposure is a leading cause of workplace illness. Therefore, OSHA has established the reduction of lead exposure to be a high strategic priority. OSHA's five year strategic plan sets a performance goal of a 15% reduction in the average severity of lead exposure or employee blood lead levels in selected industries and workplaces.

In general populations lead may be present at hazardous concentrations in food, water, and air. Sources include paint, urban dust, and folk remedies. It is also a major potential public health risk. Lead poisoning is the leading environmentally induced illness in children. At greatest risk are children under the age of six because they are undergoing rapid neurological and physical development.