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

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Abstract
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.

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