The concentration of protoporphyrin IX in workers occupationally exposed to lead

In the study a relationship was undertaken between the concentration of erythrocyte protoporphyrin IX and concentrations of lead and hemoglobin in blood as well as iron serum concentration in men workers exposed to lead. The test group were 54 men, 28-56 years of age, occupationally exposed to lead for a period of 9-33 years. The control were 40 men not exposed to lead, between 25-60 years of age. The test group was divided into 3 subgroups according to exposure duration. As regards the concentrations of protoporphyrin and other parameters examined, the study revealed no significant differences between the subgroups. Those concentrations were also found to be similar in respective control groups. Significantly increased level of protoporphyrin IX concentration was noted in 17 men out of the whole test group. However as compared with other groups results, all the remaining parameters showed no difference. As regards the concentrations of iron in serum and hemoglobin in blood, they fell within the range of physiological values, in all the groups studied.