Abstract
In the surrounding environment, lead (Pb) can be released by repairing some parts of automobile engine and radiators repair works. Lead is very well-known as a neurotoxicant as some links exist between blood lead level (BLL) and neurological outcomes. This cross sectional study was performed on 35 male workers who were 23 - 40 and worked in an automobile repair shop located in an industrial part of Tehran. Clinical evidences were recorded by a questionnaire. Subjects had given their blood samples between 7 and 8 a.m. before going to work. The levels of hematological parameters were measured and the amount of lead in plasma samples was determined by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The Iranian versions of mood state and Wechsler memory questionnaire were applied in order to evaluate mood and memory impairment. The association between variables was studied using Pearson correlation coefficient. A positive correlation was seen between workers’ history on one side and, urinary frequency and restlessness on the other side. There was not any meaningful relationship between worker history, blood parameters, and mood state. A negative meaningful relationship existed between the workers’ history and visual memory. Also a positive significant relationship was observed between BLL and epigastric pain and there was a negative relationship between BLL and repeat number. There was not a significant relationship between BLL, blood parameters, and mood state as well. It was concluded that work practices in the automobile repair shop seemed to increase the body burden of lead and may pose a health risk to the workers.
Highlights
Though lead (Pb) is recognized as an ecological hazard
Lead is a well-known neurotoxicant as there are some links between blood lead level (BLL) and malfunction of human cognition [6] [7]
The study was performed on 35 male workers who were 23 - 40 and worked in an automobile repair shop located in an industrial part of Iran
Summary
Though lead (Pb) is recognized as an ecological hazard. It is a beneficial element in several industries and is brought in production of lead bullets and the batteries, or in refinery industries to purify gold and silver. In such factories, the workers can be exposed to the dusts or fumes of lead if protective tools are not properly used and it would end up with a serious health problem [1]-[4]. Lead has been shown to cause neurobehavioral problems [10] or neurobiological defects such as schizophrenia [11]. It is anticipated that cardiovascular outcomes and mild mental retardation resulting from exposure to lead encompass almost 1% of the global burden of illness peaking in undeveloped regions [13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
