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A study of lead poisoning was conducted in a cohort of 23 male monocasters, 20 to 50 years old, employed in a print shop. They had been occupationally exposed to lead fumes for 15 to 30 years. The comparisons consisted of 27 healthy male volunteers, 22 to 45 years old, with no history of occupational lead exposure. The subjects were given clinical examinations focussing on the traditional symptoms of lead poisoning, such as anorexia, abdominal discomfort, headache, metallic taste, lead line, fine tremors, and sensory and motor disturbances. Blood and urine samples were collected. More than 75% of the monocasters had specific signs of lead poisoning such as lead line, fine tremors, and sensory disturbances in the extremities. Blood lead levels in the monocasters were not correlated with years of exposure. The authors conclude that a high proportion of the monocasters have elevated blood lead concentrations and demonstrate subclinical lead toxicity.
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 54(6):863-869, 1995. (23 references)
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