Biochemical assessment of inorganic lead hazards

Abstract

Today, industrial workers exposed to lead rarely suffer from lead poisoning but they are at risk and should be screened regularly to evaluate their lead absorption. Three groups of workers exposed to an inorganic lead compound and a reference group not so expcsed were studied. Absorption of lead was measured by serial blood lead estimations by atcmic absorption. Toxicity was assessed by urinary ALA levels, a porphyrin screen with a quantitative coproporphyrin if necessary, haemoglobin levels and stippled cell counts. Marked differences between the groups were shown. All the workers were clinically well but many of one group showed obvious biochemical abnormalities. At the levels of exposure encountered, evaluation of tests of toxicity against lead absorbed, showed urinary ALA to give the best correlation, while haemoglobin and stippled cells were of little value. Lead levels remained stable over 2-3 yr. in many workers. Changes of 20μg./100 ml. or more were related to changes in exposure. Today, industrial workers exposed to lead rarely suffer from lead poisoning but they are at risk and should be screened regularly to evaluate their lead absorption. Three groups of workers exposed to an inorganic lead compound and a reference group not so expcsed were studied. Absorption of lead was measured by serial blood lead estimations by atcmic absorption. Toxicity was assessed by urinary ALA levels, a porphyrin screen with a quantitative coproporphyrin if necessary, haemoglobin levels and stippled cell counts. Marked differences between the groups were shown. All the workers were clinically well but many of one group showed obvious biochemical abnormalities. At the levels of exposure encountered, evaluation of tests of toxicity against lead absorbed, showed urinary ALA to give the best correlation, while haemoglobin and stippled cells were of little value. Lead levels remained stable over 2-3 yr. in many workers. Changes of 20μg./100 ml. or more were related to changes in exposure.