[Changes in blood lead, urinary alanine and coproporphyrins in workers exposed to high concentrations of...

A study was conducted on a total of 200 workers whose duties bring them into contact with lead, to determine levels of total alanuria, plumbemia and coproporphyrins in urine, basophil spotting and Burton's fringe. It was noted that in all cases these levels exceeded the maximum permitted environmental concentration. 80% (?) presented high figures for alanuria and 84% had very high plumbaemia levels. Coproporphyrins were also high in more than 60% and also in more than 60% of cases, basophil spotting was found. On the other hand, Burton's fringe was only detected in a few. Lastly, an important fact which emerged was the high rate of absenteeism among this group of workers.