Biological Monitoring Among Workers Exposed to Inorganic Lead and Its Compounds

Dragan Mijakoski,Elisaveta Stikova,Jovanka Karadzinska-Bislimovska,Saso Stoleski

doi:10.3889/mjms.1857-5773.2011.0207

Abstract

Objective: To explore the association between lead biomarkers and their deviations in the circumstances of occupational exposure, and influence of life style factors. Material and Methods: We performed cross-sectional study using 60 workers occupationally exposed to lead compared with 60 controls. All examinees were assessed by Questionnaire, and laboratory testing concerning blood lead level (BLL), activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) in blood, concentration of delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and coproporphyrin in urine, reticulocytes and erythrocytes with basophilic stippling (EBS). Results: The mean values of BLL and ALA were significantly higher, and mean ALAD activity was significantly lower in lead workers than in controls. Lead workers also had a higher rate of abnormal BLL, ALAD, and ALA, significant for BLL and ALAD. The average BLL values among exposed workers and controls in men were significantly higher. There was strong inverse correlation between distribution of ALAD values in exposed workers due to their BLL values. Significant correlation with mean ALAD values was shown for alcohol consumption, form of compounds, and use of protecting equipment, whereas with mean BLL values was shown for age, gender, exposure duration, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Conclusion: The data confirmed the association between occupational exposure and lead biomarkers abnormalities.

Highlights

Lead is a naturally occurring element used by mankind almost since the beginning of its civilization
The mean values of blood lead level (BLL) and aminolevulinic acid (ALA) were significantly higher, and mean aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity was significantly lower in lead workers than in controls
Lead workers had a higher rate of abnormal BLL, ALAD, and ALA, significant for BLL and ALAD

Summary

Introduction

Lead is a naturally occurring element used by mankind almost since the beginning of its civilization. Lead exposure is an international and global issue. Many developing countries still have problems associated with mining, smelting and refining of lead, as well as the use of leaded gasoline in motor vehicles, so exposed individuals could receive substantial lead exposure [2]. Within the last few decades, concentrations of lead in the atmosphere have been significantly decreased all over the world, having in mind the fact that more and more countries have chosen, and obliged themselves, to remove tetraethyl lead as additive from gasoline [4]. Workers engaged in the industries for lead smelting, refining, and manufacturing products containing lead experience the highest and perhaps the most prolonged occupational exposures to lead [5]

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Discussion

Conclusion