Effects of lead on the endocrine system in lead smelter workers.

In this study of the effects of lead on the endocrine system, 77 secondary lead-smelter workers (i.e., 62 active and 15 retired) were compared with 26 referents. Lead concentrations were determined in plasma with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (i.e., index of recent exposure), in blood with atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and in fingerbone with K x-ray fluorescence technique (i.e., index of long-term exposure). In addition, pituitary hormones were determined in serum by fluoroimmunoassay, and thyroid hormones and testosterone in serum were determined with radioimmunoassay. Nine lead workers and 11 referents were challenged with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and thyrotrophin-releasing hormone, followed by measurements of stimulated pituitary hormone levels in serum. Median levels of lead in plasma were 0.14 microg/dl (range = 0.04-3.7 microg/dl) in active lead workers, 0.08 microg/dl (range = 0.05-0.4 microg/dl) in retired lead workers, and 0.03 microg/dl (range = 0.02-0.04 microg/dl) in referents (1 microg/dl = 48.3 nmol/l). Corresponding blood lead concentrations were 33.2 microg/dl (range = 8.3-93.2 microg/dl), 18.6 microg/dl (range = 10.4-49.7 microg/dl), and 4.1 microg/dl (range 0.8-6.2 microg/dl), respectively. Respective bone lead levels were 21 microg/gm (range = -13 to 99 microg/gm), 55 microg/gm (range = 3-88 microg/gm), and 2 microg/gm (range = -21 to 14 microg/gm). Concentrations of basal serum hormone (i.e., free thyroid hormones, thyrotrophin, sex hormone binding globulin, and testosterone) were similar in the 3 groups. There were no significant associations between the hormones mentioned herein and blood plasma, blood lead, and bone lead levels. In the challenge test, stimulated follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly lower in lead workers (p = .014) than in referents, indicating an effect of lead at the pituitary level. Also, there was a tendency toward lower basal stimulated follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations in lead workers (p = .08). This effect, however, was not associated with blood plasma level, blood lead level, or bone lead level. In conclusion, a moderate exposure to lead was associated with only minor changes in the male endocrine function, particularly affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Given that sperm parameters were not studied, the authors could not draw conclusions about fertility consequences.     

Lead levels in Maryland construction workers

A cross-sectional study of unionized construction workers not currently known to be performing lead work was conducted. Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire obtaining information about demographics, work history, other possible sources of lead exposure and health status (including hypertension, noise-induced hearing loss and renal disease). Blood was then obtained via venipuncture for whole blood lead level, hematocrit and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin determination. Two hundred and sixty-four Maryland construction workers had median whole blood lead determinations of 7 μg/dl and mean values of 8.0 μg/dl, with a skewed distribution ranging from 2 to 30 μg/dl. None were currently engaged in known lead work. Blood lead levels were significantly higher for the 124 who had ‘ever’ worked in demolition (8.8 μg/dl vs. 7.2 μg/dl, p = .004), and for the 79 who had ever burned paint and metal and welded on outdoor structures compared to the 48 who had done none of these activities (8.6 μg/dl vs. 6.8 μg/dl, p = .01). The 58 workers who had ever had workplace lead monitoring performed had higher lead levels (9.7 vs. 7.5 μg/dl, p = .003). Blood lead levels increased with age, and cigarette smoking. African Americans (N = 68) had higher lead levels (9.1 vs. 7.5 μg/dl, p = .01). There were only two women in the study, one with a lead level of 21 μg/dl and one, 7 μg/dl. Blood lead levels did not predict either systolic or diastolic blood pressure in this population. However, there was a significant interaction between race and lead as predictors of blood pressure, with blacks demonstrating a trend-significant correlation, and whites showing a nonsignificant but negative association. Demolition and hotwork on outdoor structures are known to cause acute episodes of lead poisoning. They also appear to cause slight but persistent increases in blood lead levels. Future workplace regulation should recognize and seek to maintain the low baseline now apparent even in urban, East Coast, construction workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 31:188–194, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Lead and Cadmium Exposure from Contaminated Soil among Residents of a Farm Area near an Industrial Site

In this study, the authors determined the degree of lead and cadmium exposure in a population that resided in an area with contaminated soil. The extent of exposure from soil pollution was also assessed. Lead and cadmium concentrations in blood of children and adults who resided in the contaminated area were measured, and cadmium concentration in urine of adults was also determined. An adult control group was recruited from a non-polluted area. The mean blood lead level in adults who resided in the polluted area was 9.8 μg/dl, compared with a mean level of 6.8 μg/dl in controls (p = .004). Urinary cadmium levels were well below the level associated with onset of symptoms, but the differences between levels in residents of the contaminated area (0.54 μg/gm creatinine) and levels in the controls (0.37 μg/gm creatinine) indicated that life-long cadmium exposure had been higher among the residents of the contaminated area (p = .086). The mean blood lead level and mean blood cadmium level in children were 5.2 μg/dl (maximum = 7.90 μg/dl) and 0.10 μg/l, respectively. Lead in soil accounted in large part for the differences in blood lead levels in children; however, blood cadmium levels were not associated with soil cadmium levels, but, rather, with consumption of home-grown vegetables.     

Lead exposure in stained glass workers

To evaluate lead exposure in stained glass workers, we measured blood lead levels in 12 professional glass workers, in 5 hobbyists, and in 4 workers' family members. Professional workers lead levels (mean 20.7 μg/dl) were higher than hobbyists' (11.6 μg/dl) (P = 0.02) or family members' (11.3 μg/dl). Levels increased with years worked, hours worked per week, and percentage of work involving lead. The mean lead concentration in settled dust samples from a stained glass workshop was 11,000 parts per million. Stained glass workers are at increased risk of lead exposure.     

Season Modifies the Relationship between Bone and Blood Lead Levels: The Normative Aging Study

Bone serves as a repository for 75% and 90–95% of lead in children and adults, respectively. Bone lead mobilization heightens during times of increased bone turnover, such as pregnancy, lactation, hyperthyroidism, and the rapid growth of childhood. Blood lead levels show seasonal periodicity. Children demonstrate peak blood lead levels in midsummer and a secondary peak in late winter. Pregnant women demonstrate the highest mean blood lead levels in winter (January-March) and the lowest in summer (July-September). This fluctuation in blood lead levels may be related to seasonal patterns of environmental exposures, but it may also be partially related to the increased mobilization of bone lead stores during the winter months. We performed bone lead measurements using a K-x-ray fluorescent instrument to determine micrograms of lead per gram of bone mineral (parts per million) in middle-aged and elderly men who participated in the Normative Aging Study. We obtained measurements of blood and bone lead during the high sun exposure months of May-August (summer; n = 290); the intermediate sun exposure months of March, April, September, and October (spring/fall; n = 283); and the low sun exposure months of November-February (winter; n = 191). Mean blood lead concentrations were 5.8 μg/dl, 6.1 μg/dl, and 6.6 μg/dl for the summer, spring/fall, and winter, respectively. Mean patella (trabecular bone) lead concentrations were 34.3 μg/gm, 29.7 μ/gm, and 29.0 μg/gm for the summer, spring/fall, and winter time periods, respectively. In multivariate regression models, adjusted for age, smoking, alcohol ingestion, and dietary intake of iron and vitamin C, the authors found a strong interaction between season and bone lead level—with bone lead levels exerting an almost 2-fold greater influence on blood levels during the winter months than the summer months. The authors concluded that elevated blood lead levels in winter may be related to increased mobilization of endogenous bone lead stores, potentially from decreased exposure to sunlight, lower levels of activated vitamin D, and enhanced bone resorption.     

Low-Level Lead Exposure and Blood Lead Levels in Children: A Cross-Sectional Survey

The authors studied 53 girls (44.5%) and 66 (55.5%) boys in Karachi, Pakistan, to determine their blood lead levels. The association between blood lead levels/water lead levels and the possible risk factors and symptoms associated with lead toxicity was explored. The mean lead level for the entire group was 7.9 μg/dl (standard deviation = 4.5 μg/dl). Thirty (25.2%) of the children had lead levels that exceeded 10 μg/dl; 12 (10.0%) of these had lead levels that exceeded 15 μg/dl. Thirteen (20.9%) of the children under the age of 6 yr (n = 62) had lead levels greater than 10 μg/dl, and 6 (9.6%) had levels in excess of 15 μg/dl. The authors found no association (p > .05) between high lead levels in water and blood lead levels in children. Mean blood lead levels were highest in the group of children exposed to various risk factors for lead absorption (e.g., exposure to paint, remodeling, and renovation; use of lead utensils; pica). There was a significant association between a history of exposure to paint/renovation activities and a history of pica. High blood lead levels in the children in Karachi stress the urgency for actions that control lead pollution. Screening programs should be instituted by the state. Individuals must become aware of lead's toxicity, and they must avoid substances that contain lead.     

Lead-Glazed Ceramic Ware and Blood Lead Levels of Children in the City of Oaxaca,Mexico

Although Mexico substantially reduced use of leaded gasoline during the 1990s, lead-glazed pottery remains a significant source of population exposure. Most previous studies of lead in nonoccupationally exposed groups in Mexico have been conducted in the Mexico City metropolitan area. Oaxaca, a poor southern state of Mexico, has a centuries-old tradition of use of low temperature lead-glazed ceramic ware manufactured mainly by small family businesses. We measured blood lead levels in 220 8–10-y-old children (i.e., not from pottery-making families) who were students in the innercity of Oaxaca and in the mothers of all children. The geometric mean blood lead level of the children was 10.5 μmlg/dl (+7.0/–4.3 μmlg/dl standard deviation; range = 1.3–35.5 μmlg/dl). The corresponding mean value for the mothers was 13.4 (+9.0/–5.4 μmlg/dl standard deviation; range = 2.8–45.3 μmlg/dl). We used cutoffs that were greater than or equal to 10 μmlg/dl, 20 μmlg/dl, and 30 μmlg/dl, and we determined that 54.9%, 10.3%, and 3.0% of the children were at or above the respective criteria. We accounted for 25.2% of the variance in blood lead levels of the children, using maternal responses to a questionnaire that assessed possible lead sources in a linear multiple-regression model. The most important factors related to lead levels were family use of lead-glazed pottery, use of animal fat in cooking, and family income. The addition of maternal blood lead level to the model increased accounted variance in blood lead to 48.0%. In logistic-regression modeling of children's blood lead levels, we used a cutoff of greater than or equal to 10 μmlg/dl, and we found that use of lead-glazed pottery was the most important of all questionnaire items that were predictive of blood lead levels (odds ratio = 2.98). In Oaxaca, as is the case elsewhere in Mexico, lead-glazed ceramic ware remains a significant risk factor for elevated blood lead levels in children.     

Different Associations of Blood Lead,Meso 2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA)-Chelatable Lead,and Tibial Lead Levels with Blood Pressure in 543 Former Organolead Manufacturing Workers

In this study, the authors' objective was to determine the influence of blood lead, meso 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA)-chelatable lead, and tibial lead on systolic and diastolic blood pressures and on hypertension in 543 former organolead manufacturing workers. All workers had past exposure to inorganic and organic lead. The authors used linear regression to model systolic and diastolic blood pressure separately, and logistic regression was used for the modeling of hypertension status (i.e., systolic blood pressure > 160 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 96 mm Hg, or current use of antihypertensive medications). Blood lead, DMSA-chelatable lead, and tibial lead levels had means (standard deviations appear within parentheses) of 4.6 μmlg/dl (2.6 μmlg/dl), 19.3 μmlg (17.2 μmlg), and 14.4 μmlg/g (9.3 μmlg/g) respectively. The authors adjusted for covariates, and they found that blood lead was a predictor of (1) both systolic and diastolic blood pressures and (2) hypertension status in men ≤ 58 y of age. DMSA-chelatable lead and tibial lead were not associated with any of the blood pressure measures. Systolic blood pressure was elevated by blood lead levels as low as 5 μmlg/dl. We speculate that lead may have a transient influence on blood pressure that is related to target dose levels obtained once release of lead from body stores has occurred.     

Lead poisoning in precious metals refinery assayers: A failure to notify workers at high risk

Lead poisoning in a precious metals refinery fire assayer and a routine OSHA inspection prompted an investigation of the index facility, a survey of the industry, and efforts to notify assayers of this previously unrecognized hazard. Air and blood samples were obtained at the index facility. Management personnel from all fire assay laboratories in Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts were interviewed. The industry's trade association, OSHA, NIOSH, trade unions, and the media were asked to assist in a nationwide notification effort. Assayers at the index facility had excessive exposures to lead due to an age-old, lead-based assaying method that remains the industry gold standard. Blood lead levels of the three assayers (mean 61.3 μ/dl, range 48–86 μg/dl) were considerably higher than those of 16 other refinery workers (mean 27.4 μg/dl, range 13–49 μg/dl). The industry survey revealed inadequate knowledge of both the lead hazard and the applicability of the OSHA lead standard. Notification efforts failed in large part due to economic obstacles. The notification of workers at high risk of lead exposure and the eradication of occupational lead poisoning will require greater attention to economic forces. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Early Pregnancy Blood Lead and Spontaneous Abortion

Although evidence tends to suggest that high levels of lead exposure increase the risk of spontaneous abortion, we do not yet know whether moderate- to low-level exposure elevates risk. Among 351 women (aged 16 to 35 years, with single pregnancies) who were registered for a longitudinal study, 15 (4.3%) women experienced spontaneous abortion after the 12th week of gestation and before the 20th week. We collected participants' blood samples during the first trimester of pregnancy (8–12 weeks) for lead measurement by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Mean ± standard deviation of blood lead was 3.8 ± 2.0 μg/dl (range 1.0–20.5 μg/dl) with a geometric mean of 3.5 μg/dl. Mean blood lead concentrations did not differ significantly between spontaneous abortion cases and ongoing pregnancies (3.51 ± 1.42 and 3.83 ± 1.99 μg/dl, respectively). The findings suggest that in apparently healthy women, low blood lead levels (mean <5 μg/dl) measured in early pregnancy may not be a risk factor for spontaneous abortion.     

Lead poisoning and reproduction: effects on pituitary and serum gonadotropins in neonatal rats.

In order to investigate the effects of neonatal lead poisoning on pituitary gonadotropic function, newborn rats were given daily doses of lead (25, 100, and 200 mg/kg) by gastric gavage. Control rats were given deionized water. Groups of animals were sacrificed at 10, 15, and 20 days of age and serum and pituitary levels of the gonadotropins follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) as well as pituitary contents of luteninizing hormone (LH) were determined by radioimmunoassay. Lead concentrations in blood, bone, brain, and pituitary tissues of similarly treated 15-day-old rats were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Lead content in bone (femur) and brain showed dose-dependent elevations throughout the dose range; in blood, it reached a plateau of about 1000 μg% already at the dose of 100 mg/kg/day. Lead remained at undetectable levels (<0.01 μg/g) in pituitary tissue regardless of the dose. There were no significant differences between lead-treated and control rats in body weights, pituitary weights, pituitary LH contents in either sex, and serum FSH levels in males. Lead exposure increased pituitary FSH content in male rats at all ages studied, and suppressed serum FSH levels in 15-day-old females. These results suggest that the effects of subclinical neonatal lead poisoning on gonadal development and subsequent function, especially in the female, may be mediated by central neuroendocrine mechanisms.     

Lead Effects among Secondary Lead Smelter Workers with Blood Lead Levels below 80 μg/100 ml

A subgroup of workers from a secondary lead smelter was defined to include those with blood lead levels not exceeding 80 /μg/100 ml and with no past history of elevated blood lead. Central nervous system symptoms (tiredness, sleeplessness, irritability, headache) were reported by 55% of the group and muscle and joint pain by 39%. Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels were elevated in 71% of cases. Low hemoglobin levels (less than 14 gm/100 ml) were found in more than a third of the workers. While BUN and creatinine were mostly in the normal range, there was nevertheless a correlation between ZPP and both BUN and creatinine. Reduced nerve-conduction velocities were present in 25% of the group; this was not significantly different from findings in a control group. The data indicate that a blood level of 80 μg/ 100 ml is an inappropriate biological guide in the prevention of lead disease.     

Blood Lead Levels in 2- to 3-Year-Old Children in the Greater Bilbao Area (Basque Country,Spain): Relation to Dust and Water Lead Levels

The objectives of this study were to determine blood lead levels in 2-y-old children in the Greater Bilbao Area (Basque Country, Spain) and to compare those levels with the lead content of different media (i.e., house dust, park dust and soil, and water) in the child's environment. Between May and September of 1992, 138 children, aged 2 to 3 y, were studied. All children were attended by pediatricians within the public health-care network, and their parents volunteered for the study. A venous blood sample was drawn from each child and was analyzed for lead level, and the parents answered a questionnaire that addressed the socioeconomic background and habits of the children. The environment was investigated in 42 cases. Blood lead levels exceeded 15 μg/dl in 2% of the children, and 14% of the children had levels that exceeded 10 μg/dl (geometric mean = 5.7 μg/dl [4.7–6.7 μg/dl]). Blood lead levels were higher among (a) children whose mothers worked outside the home, (b) children whose fathers had only a primary-level education, and (c) children who lived in houses constructed prior to 1950. The geometrical averages of lead in house dust, park soil, and park dust were 595, 299, and 136 μg/g, respectively. Statistically significant linear correlation was found between blood lead level and lead content in park dust, a finding that explained a 9% variation in blood lead level; a subgroup of these children was also found to have a strong linear association between blood lead and lead content in house dust.     

The Physiological Response of Animals to β-Nitronaphthalene

The effect of lead exposure on blood pressure in the modern industrial setting is controversial. In this study, we followed 67 workers in a lead-battery plant for 6–10 y, and blood pressure and blood lead levels were measured every 6 mo. Weight, height, alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, and age were recorded. Partial correlation coefficients showed that initial systolic blood pressure, age, and body mass index (i.e., weight/height squared) accounted for 25%, 30.9%, and 20.2%, respectively, of the variance in systolic blood pressure (p < .001 in all cases). Conversely, average blood lead levels (13 ± 3 tests/worker) accounted for only 0.4% of the variance (not significant). Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed a small—but significant—association between blood lead levels and systolic blood pressure. There was a negative correlation between blood lead levels and diastolic blood pressure. There were 18 men with average blood lead levels that were less than 30 μg/dl (average = 25 ± 3 μg/dl), and 32 men had levels of 40 μg/dl or more (average = 47 ± 6 μg/dl). The mean final systolic blood pressure, adjusted for age, and initial systolic blood pressure were 117 ± 13 mm Hg and 114 ± 11 mm Hg, respectively. We concluded that blood lead levels had no clinically significant effect on blood pressure in lead-battery workers. The main predictors of the follow-up systolic blood pressure were age, body mass index, and initial systolic blood-pressure measurements.     

Blood Lead Concentrations and Pregnancy Outcomes

In this study, the authors related blood lead concentrations to Apgar scores, birth weight, gestational age, small-for-gestational age, and hypertension in pregnancy (HIP)/toxemia. Data and blood were collected 4 times during pregnancy from 705 women, aged 12–34 yr. Blood lead concentrations, measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, were related to reproductive outcomes, abstracted from medical records. Average blood lead concentrations were 1.2 μg/dl (standard error = ± 0.03). Maternal blood lead concentrations were related significantly to HIP/toxemia—before and after adjusting for age, calcium intake, and race/ethnicity (p < .03). Longitudinal regression analyses revealed that blood lead concentrations in women with HIP/toxemia changed by 0.02 μg/dl for every 0.01 μg/dl change in women without HIP/toxemia. Maternal blood lead concentration and its change were not significantly associated with other reproductive outcomes. Low levels of maternal blood lead concentrations were significantly associated with HIP/toxemia.     

Lead Levels in Blood Bank Blood

Although blood bank blood is usually screened for dangerous pathogens, the presence of toxic metals in blood has received little attention. Population blood lead levels have been declining in the United States, but occasional high outliers in blood lead concentration can be found–even when mean levels of blood lead are low. We sampled 999 consecutive blood bank bags from the King/Drew Medical Center, used between December 1999 and February 2000. The geometric mean blood lead level was 1.0 μg/dl (0.048 μmol/l), but 0.5% of the samples had lead levels that exceeded 10 μg/d1, and 2 samples had lead levels that exceeded 30 μg/dl. The 2 samples with the highest lead levels could have presented an additional risk to infants if they were used for blood replacement. Therefore, even in countries with generally low population blood lead levels, blood bank blood should be screened for lead concentration prior to use with infants.     

Blood Lead Levels in Children in South Central Los Angeles

We retrospectively reviewed 3 679 pediatric records from King/Drew Medical Center, south central Los Angeles, between 1991 and 1994. Blood lead levels of children were followed to age 18 y. Patients were not referred specifically for lead poisoning. The sample was primarily Latino. Geometric mean blood lead peaked at 6.7 μg/dl (0.32 μmol/l) between 2 and 3 y of age. There was a downward secular trend and a seasonal trend. Males had higher lead levels than females. Children who lived in several zipcode areas, in which the lowest family incomes were reported, had higher lead levels. More Latino children had higher lead levels than African American children. Latino children (i.e., 20.2%) who were 1–5 y of age had blood lead levels that were ≤ 10 μg/dl. Young Latino children in this zone of Los Angeles may be at increased risk for lead exposure.     

Male endocrine functions in workers with moderate exposure to lead.

Evidence for the effect of occupational exposure to lead on the male endocrine system is conflicting. This study evaluated the primary (testicular) and secondary (hypothalamo pituitary testicular) effects of exposure to lead in 122 current lead workers and 49 non-exposed workers. The mean current blood lead concentration was 35.2 (range 9.6-77.4) micrograms/dl in the exposed workers, and 8.3 (range 2.6-14.8) micrograms/dl in the non-exposed workers. Concentrations of plasma luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were both significantly higher in the exposed workers, but testosterone (T) was not significantly different between the two groups. In older exposed workers, however (greater than or equal to 40 years), plasma T concentrations were significantly lower, but LH and FSH concentrations were not significantly different. Compared with non-exposed workers, those exposed for less than 10 years had significantly raised LH and FSH and normal T concentrations whereas those exposed for 10 or more years had significantly lower T, and normal LH and FSH concentrations. The concentrations of LH and FSH showed a moderate increase in relation to blood lead concentrations in the range of 10 micrograms/dl to 40 micrograms/dl and thereafter reached a plateau or declined. No apparent trend for plasma T concentrations occurred. No significant difference in prolactin (PRL) concentration was noted. It is concluded that moderate exposure to lead was associated in dose related fashion with small but measurable changes in male endocrine functions that reflected both primary and secondary effects of lead on the testes and the hypothalamo pituitary testicular axis.     

Male endocrine functions in workers with moderate exposure to lead

Evidence for the effect of occupational exposure to lead on the male endocrine system is conflicting. This study evaluated the primary (testicular) and secondary (hypothalamo pituitary testicular) effects of exposure to lead in 122 current lead workers and 49 non-exposed workers. The mean current blood lead concentration was 35.2 (range 9.6-77.4) micrograms/dl in the exposed workers, and 8.3 (range 2.6-14.8) micrograms/dl in the non-exposed workers. Concentrations of plasma luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were both significantly higher in the exposed workers, but testosterone (T) was not significantly different between the two groups. In older exposed workers, however (greater than or equal to 40 years), plasma T concentrations were significantly lower, but LH and FSH concentrations were not significantly different. Compared with non-exposed workers, those exposed for less than 10 years had significantly raised LH and FSH and normal T concentrations whereas those exposed for 10 or more years had significantly lower T, and normal LH and FSH concentrations. The concentrations of LH and FSH showed a moderate increase in relation to blood lead concentrations in the range of 10 micrograms/dl to 40 micrograms/dl and thereafter reached a plateau or declined. No apparent trend for plasma T concentrations occurred. No significant difference in prolactin (PRL) concentration was noted. It is concluded that moderate exposure to lead was associated in dose related fashion with small but measurable changes in male endocrine functions that reflected both primary and secondary effects of lead on the testes and the hypothalamo pituitary testicular axis.     

Screening for lead toxicity among autobody repair workers

Fifty-one workers in 10 small, neighborhood autobody repair shops were screened for lead toxicity using blood zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels and work history questionnaires. Those with high ZPP levels (greater than 50 μg/dl) had further studies, including blood lead determinations. The shops were dusty with ground putty dust (lead-free) and paint spray (lead content range 0–40%). Thirteen (26%) workers had mildly elevated ZPP levels (all were full-time sander/sprayers) though few had symptoms and none had elevated blood lead levels. Eighteen controls, workers in other occupations, had normal ZPP levels. Air monitoring during inactive periods failed to reveal high lead levels (range 0–28 μg/m²). These data suggest that workers in autobody repair shops are at risk of lead toxicity but the exposure and biologic effects are less than in many other industries that utilize lead.