Blood Lead Level in Relation to Awareness and Self Reported Symptoms among Gasoline Station Workers in the Gaza Strip

Maged M Yassin,Abdel Monem H Lubbad

doi:10.3329/jom.v14i2.19658

Abstract

Background: Leaded gasoline is being used in Gaza Strip. Measurements of blood lead level (BLL) and relate it to awareness of gasoline station workers would be helpful in lead protection programs.Purpose: To determine BLL and to assess its relation to awareness and self reported symptoms among gasoline station workers in the Gaza Strip. Methods: A cross section of 72 workers was asked to fill in a questionnaire. BLL was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: Thirty four (47.2%) workers had BLL>10 ?g/dl. The mean BLL was inversely related to the education level (p=0.001). Workers worked d5 years in the station had lower BLL than those worked >5 years (7.8±5.6 v 12.5±5.8 ?g/dl, p=0.004). The variation in workers knowledge by their BLL was not significant. Higher BLL was generally found in workers who did not practice protective measures compared to those who did, with significant difference for respiratory mask (12.4±5.9 v 5.6±1.6 ?g/dl, p=0.001), gloves (13.1±6.0 v 8.6±4.9 ?g/dl, p=0.001) and frequent milk drink (13.5±6.0 v 9.3±5.2 ?g/dl, p=0.018). Higher BLL was also found in workers who reported symptoms than in those who did not, with significant differences for irritability (12.4±5.4 v 9.2±5.6 ?g/dl, p=0.031), headache (12.2±5.8 v 9.0±5.9 ?g/dl, p=0.046), concentration difficulties (12.9±5.8 v 9.4±5.6 ?g/dl, p=0.015), sleep disturbances (14.1±5.8 v 8.9±5.0 ?g/dl, p=0.001) and hypertension (13.3±6.4 v 8.1±2.9 ?g/dl, p=0.001). Conclusions: High BLL was associated with low education level, long work duration, lack of protective measures and increase self reported symptoms. Educational programs on protective measures practices are recommended.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i2.19658 J Medicine 2013, 14(2): 135-142

Highlights

Lead has a widespread application in general industry including lead-based paint, battery manufacture and reclamation, radiator repair, leaded gasoline and pottery/ ceramics.[1,2,3,4] Leaded gasoline contains tetraethyllead and, to some extent, tetramethyllead which are used as “anti-knock” additives to gasoline.[5]
Higher blood lead level (BLL) was found in workers who reported symptoms than in those who did not, with significant differences for irritability (12.4±5.4 v 9.2±5.6 μg/dl, p=0.031), headache (12.2±5.8 v 9.0±5.9 μg/ dl, p=0.046), concentration difficulties (12.9±5.8 v 9.4±5.6 μg/dl, p=0.015), sleep disturbances (14.1±5.8 v 8.9±5.0 μg/dl, p=0.001) and hypertension (13.3±6.4 v 8.1±2.9 μg/dl, p=0.001)
High BLL was associated with low education level, long work duration, lack of protective measures and increase self reported symptoms

Summary

Introduction

Lead has a widespread application in general industry including lead-based paint, battery manufacture and reclamation, radiator repair, leaded gasoline and pottery/ ceramics.[1,2,3,4] Leaded gasoline contains tetraethyllead and, to some extent, tetramethyllead which are used as “anti-knock” additives to gasoline.[5]. As a fume or fine particulate, lead is readily absorbed through the lungs. It is relatively less well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Inorganic lead is not absorbed through intact skin, but organic lead compounds (tetraethyllead, tetramethyllead) can be.[8] Once lead has been absorbed into the bloodstream, it is distributed between the bones and. Leaded gasoline is being used in Gaza Strip. Measurements of blood lead level (BLL) and relate it to awareness of gasoline station workers would be helpful in lead protection programs.

Methods

Results

Conclusion