[Neuropsychological effects of lead exposure]

Neuropsychological effects of lead exposure were studied with WHO recommended Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery (NCTB) and factor analysis in 78 workers occupationally exposed to lead and 76 nonexposed controls with mean blood lead levels of 2.14 mumol/L and 0.20 mumol/L, respectively. Except for the length of employment and average monthly income, there was no significant difference in other aspects of both groups. Lead-exposed workers with blood lead level or more than 2.72 mumol/L showed mild impairment to their motor coordination and memory functions. It also showed a dose-response tendency between blood lead levels and scores of five relevant factors.