Screening for lead toxicity among autobody repair workers

Fifty-one workers in 10 small, neighborhood autobody repair shops were screened for lead toxicity using blood zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels and work history questionnaires. Those with high ZPP levels (greater than 50 micrograms/dl) had further studies, including blood lead determinations. The shops were dusty with ground putty dust (lead-free) and paint spray (lead content range 0-40%). Thirteen (26%) workers had mildly elevated ZPP levels (all were full-time sander/sprayers) though few had symptoms and none had elevated blood lead levels. Eighteen controls, workers in other occupations, had normal ZPP levels. Air monitoring during inactive periods failed to reveal high lead levels (range 0-28 micrograms/m2). These data suggest that workers in autobody repair shops are at risk of lead toxicity but the exposure and biologic effects are less than in many other industries that utilize lead.