Answer to Question #13972 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Medical and Dental Equipment and Shielding — Shielding

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q

An x-ray room is being repurposed. A lead-lined wall partition needs to be removed. What precautions need to be taken by the person removing the lead-lined partition? How should the sheets of lead be properly disposed of and who should handle the disposal?

A

It is common for general contractors to remove and dispose of old lead-lined drywall when doing demolition of x-ray rooms. As long as the lead sheeting is not made airborne (dust from grinding, etc., or fumes from heating, etc.), the handler should just wear gloves and eye protection to prevent injuries. Hands should be washed after handling and no eating, drinking, or smoking should occur in the area.

Preferred disposal would be to take the lead sheeting to a recycling facility. There are also companies that will dispose of lead for a fee, and many can be found online. This will repurpose the lead and keep it out of other waste streams. Lead is usually not permitted to be disposed of in routine landfills, and local regulations should be consulted prior to disposal.

A company that manufactures lead sheeting provides some recommendations for handling sheet lead (note that some of these will not apply to removing sheet lead from an x-ray room).

Lead can harm people only if it is taken into the body in a large amount or regularly, in small amounts. Lead can be taken into the body only through the nose, lungs, and mouth. Safe lead practice is, therefore, based on preventing ingestion and inhalation of lead. Inorganic lead is not significantly absorbed through unbroken skin.

Adopting a few commonsense working practices will minimize the risk of lead intake. Avoid the generation of lead dust, which will occur if lead is filed, ground, or sanded. If dust is generated, wear a respirator complying with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lead standard. Clean up dust using a special "HEPA" vacuum cleaner which uses a high-efficiency particulate filter or by "wet" sweeping. Do not use dry-sweeping methods.

Lead fumes will be generated if lead is heated over 5000° C. This may occur when propane or oxyhydrogen torches are used to heat lead, e.g., in lead burning or welding. Care should be taken not to overheat lead in these operations. Again, wear a respirator complying with the OSHA lead standard, and ensure good ventilation.

Avoid hand-to-mouth transfer of lead. Wash hands and face thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking. Wear gloves when handling lead to ensure a better level of cleanliness. Smoking and eating while working with lead are prohibited by legislation in the United States and Canada.

If lead dust or fume is being generated, safety eyewear should be worn in addition to a respirator. Lead is a dense metal. A small roll of lead sheet may be heavier to lift than expected. Ensure good lifting practice is used.

To avoid being sprayed with molten lead, do not immerse wet or damp metal or tools into molten lead.

Duke Lovins, CHP

Answer posted on 3 May 2021. The information posted on this web page is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may affect the applicability of concepts, materials, and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice. To the best of our knowledge, answers are correct at the time they are posted. Be advised that over time, requirements could change, new data could be made available, and Internet links could change, affecting the correctness of the answers. Answers are the professional opinions of the expert responding to each question; they do not necessarily represent the position of the Health Physics Society.