Risk Of Lead Intoxication In Exposed Workers

A clinical observation of 15 workers exposed to lead, engaged in recycling of lead accumulators, was carried out. The exposition to lead aerosols varied from 2 months to 14 years. High levels of lead absorption and excretion after application of antidote therapy were found in all workers followed up. There were no manifestclinical signs and symptoms in 7 workers whom we suspected to be lead carriers. Anemia was diagnosed in 8 of the investigated persons. Severe form of intoxication, including paresis of both radial nerves, was established in one worker. Subacute lead poisoning, presenting with lead colic, anemia, toxic hepatitis and toxic polyneuropathy, was diagnosed in three persons with only several months of intensive lead exposure. Association between lead exposure, metal absorption and clinical symptoms in investigated persons were discussed.