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Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function testes in lead exposed workers
Mohammad Reza Khazdair1, Mohammad Hossein Boskabady, Reza Afshari
1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and pharmaceutical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran.
Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal
|February 12, 2013
Summary
Lead exposure workers report more respiratory symptoms and have lower lung function. Higher lead levels in blood and urine confirm the adverse health effects in these workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Lead exposure is a known risk factor for developing lung disorders.
- Noxious agents, including lead, can negatively impact respiratory health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in lead-exposed workers versus controls.
- To assess the health impact of occupational lead exposure on lung function and symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated respiratory symptoms using a questionnaire in 108 lead-exposed workers and 100 controls.
- Measured pulmonary function tests (PFT) in both lead-exposed workers and control groups.
- Assessed serum and urine lead concentrations to confirm exposure levels.
Main Results:
- 63% of lead-exposed workers reported work-related respiratory symptoms like chest tightness, cough, and sputum.
- Significantly reduced pulmonary function test values were observed in lead-exposed workers compared to controls.
- Elevated serum and urine lead concentrations were found in lead-exposed workers, confirming higher exposure.
Conclusions:
- Lead-exposed workers exhibit a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms.
- Occupational lead exposure is associated with diminished pulmonary function.
- Elevated lead levels in biological samples correlate with adverse respiratory outcomes in workers.
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