Adverse Health Effects among Workers in an Egyptian Lead Crystal Glass manufacturing plant

Abstract

Introduction: Glass production workers are exposed to several workplace factors that may affect their health.Lead encountered in the manufacture of crystal glass is known to cause harmful effects. It is necessary tohighlight the health effects of lead among Egyptian crystal glass workers. Aim of work: The aim of the studywas to identify some health disorders in relation to blood lead level (BLL) among Egyptian workers exposedto lead in a lead crystal glass factory and find the association between (BLL) and psychological morbiditiesand biochemical parameters. Materials and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried outin the occupational health clinic at Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. It included 50 workers from alead crystal glass manufacturing plant (exposed group) and 50 non-exposed workers. Data collected includedpersonal data, occupational and medical histories, clinical examination and body mass index (BMI). Blood leadlevel (BLL), serum calcium, serum uric acid, red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin, serum creatinine, andblood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured for both groups. A general health questionnaire was used to assesspsychological morbidities. Results: Exposed workers and controls were matched for gender and age. Exposedworkers had significantly more gastro-intestinal, neurological, heat-related, ear and nose symptoms. Regardingbiochemical parameters, BLL, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly higher among exposed workers,while serum creatinine was higher among non-exposed workers. Psychological distress was statisticallysignificantly more prevalent among exposed workers and the difference was statistically significant. Amongthe exposed workers, only 60%, 56%, 56% and 26% used gloves, masks, uniform and boots, respectively.Conclusion: Elevated BLL is associated with higher BUN and psychological morbidity among exposedworkers.