[Health risks study in a pottery environment in Morocco]

Morocco is famous for its potteries, the largest of which are located at Rabat, Safi, Marrakech and Fes. This cross-sectional, descriptive epidemiological survey was carried out over an eight-month period, from January to August 1997. The study population consisted of 290 male workers from 36 workshops. The study involved a social and medical survey (a questionnaire and medical examination for all workers, with biological assessment for a representative sample of 95 craftsmen) and an analysis of the working conditions in which atmospheric pollution at the pottery was evaluated. Atmospheric concentrations of zinc, copper, iron, chrome and lead were determined. Only lead levels were found to be significantly high and were analyzed on three occasions. This study demonstrates poor working conditions and a lack of respect for the regulations concerning specific prevention measures and the health rules applicable to establishments where personnel are routinely exposed to the risk of lead poisoning. Various pathological conditions were observed, with the following prevalences: skeletal muscle 67.6%, dermatological 8.3%, digestive 58%, respiratory 28% and neurological 35.5%. Several nonspecific, often minor, clinical signs were recorded for most of the potters but the toxicological analysis confirmed lead contamination in 74% of the exposed subjects (plasma lead concentration, CPU, ALAU). The potteries of Morocco are not subject to any protection. Special technical and medical surveillance should be introduced and the laws concerning exposure to lead should be applied.