Urinary Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid

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Abstract
Urinary δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) levels were measured in 71 indigenous workers who charged batteries. The group consisted of 21 masters, four “free” workers, and 46 apprentices from 25 workshops in two districts of Lagos, Nigeria. Twenty adult male and female medical students of comparable age were controls. Abnormally high urinary ALA levels were found in about half the workers. The mean level was significantly higher than in controls, values being 1.49 mg/100 ml and 0.29 mg/100 ml,. respectively. The highest mean level, 3.60 mg/100 ml, occurred in masters repairing more than three batteries per month, and the highest individual reading, 7.75 mg/100 ml, was one master in this trade for 15 years. Mechanical hoods preventing inhalation of lead fumes and manufacture of low-cost cells or whole batteries were suggested as possible control measures.

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