Lead poisoning among battery reclamation workers in Alabama

Lead exposures were evaluated at a battery reclamation facility in Alabama. A questionnaire obtained work and health information. Medical tests included blood lead, zinc protoporphyrin, hematocrit, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and uric acid. An investigation of workers' family members and neighborhood residents was conducted. Fourteen of 15 workers had blood lead levels greater than 50 micrograms/dL. Zinc protoporphyrin was > 79 micrograms/dL in 14 workers. Four workers had hematocrit < 40%; six had elevated serum creatinine (> 1.3 mg/dL). Workers' blood lead levels increased significantly over 2 years (beta = 1.004 micrograms/dL per month). Ten workers had elevated air lead levels. Twelve of 16 employee children had blood lead levels > 10 micrograms/dL; 3 were greater than 40 micrograms/dL. Workers' children had significantly higher blood lead levels than did neighborhood comparison children. Reclamation of lead batteries unaccompanied by smelting poses a health hazard to workers and their children.