[Detection of occupational lead poisoning and specific permanent work disability]

Evaluation of occupational lead poisoning and resultant permanent work disability calls for a procedure which is not easy to conduct. This is because vague, non-manifest lead poisonings and transient pre-poisoning states have lately prevailed over clearly manifested, obvious lead poisonings as were found earlier due to unfavourable working conditions. A reason for this further lies in non-specific clinical symptoms of lead poisoning as well as in lack of a strict set of rules--especially when it comes to assessing biological indicators of abnormal lead absorption in the body--for experts in the disability assessment boards to go by. In view of that the conduct of those taking part in the evaluation procedure (general practitioner of patient's own choice and team of experts in pension and disability assessment boards) is analysed. Many assessments have been found deficient. An amendment to the rules for expert evaluation is proposed.