Hemoglobin Concentration in Female Workers of Occupational Exposure to Lead

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of lead on the incidence of anemia and to find cases with lead poisoning early among female workers who have been exposed to lead occupationally, for one year from August, 1985. The level of blood lead and hemoglobin concentration were observed for 284 female lead workers and 123 female non-lead workers of industries in the Gumi industrial complex in Kyungpook Province. The average age was years and years in lead workers and non-lead workers, respectively. The average working duration was months in lead workers. The mean value of blood lead was and in lead workers and non-lead workers, respectively. There were significant differences between two groups. The mean value of hemoglobin concentration was and in lead workers and non-lead workers, respectively. Anemia cases were not observed at Hb concentration below 12g/100ml. The percentages of lead workers at Hb concentration ranged 12.0~13.0g/100ml were 4.5%. There was no dose-response relationship between blood lead level and the incidence of anemia. There were no remarkable differences between age and blood lead level as well as Hb concentration, and between working duration and the level of blood lead and hemoglobin.