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A pilot evaluation of tibia lead concentrations in Taiwan
1Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA. andrew.todd@mssm.edu
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|August 9, 2001
Summary
Taiwanese lead workers have higher tibia lead concentrations than those in other countries, indicating past occupational controls were insufficient. This study examined factors influencing lead levels in these workers.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Lead exposure is a significant occupational hazard.
- Tibia lead concentration serves as a long-term biomarker of cumulative lead exposure.
- Blood lead concentration reflects recent exposure levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors affecting tibia and blood lead concentrations.
- To evaluate measurement uncertainty in tibia lead x-ray fluorescence.
- To compare lead burdens in Taiwanese lead workers with international cohorts.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving 43 adult lead workers.
- Simultaneous measurement of tibia lead and blood lead concentrations.
- Utilized X-ray fluorescence for tibia lead assessment.
Main Results:
- Mean tibia lead concentration was 54 µg/g, with a maximum of 193 µg/g.
- Mean blood lead concentration was 44 µg/dL, with a maximum of 92 µg/dL.
- Taiwanese workers exhibited higher tibia lead levels compared to international benchmarks.
Conclusions:
- Existing occupational lead exposure controls in Taiwan were inadequate.
- Lead workers in Taiwan accumulated significant tibia lead burdens.
- Further improvements in occupational safety measures are warranted.