Temporal and interindividual variation in erythrocyte zinc-protoporphyrin in lead exposed workers.
Nineteen male workers from a factory making lead batteries participated in monthly blood tests to follow the effects of decreasing exposures to lead. The overall average blood lead (B Pb) concentration was 1.95 mumol/l (40 micrograms/100 ml), but a significant decrease was seen over the one year study period. The relation to erythrocyte zinc-protoporphyrin (ZPP) concentration showed considerable scatter and only marginal improvement of the relation was obtained when each ZPP result was compared with the average B Pb concentration during the previous four months. On an individual basis, five men showed a considerable decline in ZPP following decreases in B Pb concentration. In five other subjects with similar decreases in B Pb, no change in ZPP concentration was seen. These two groups were similar with regard to haemoglobin concentration, initial B Pb concentration, and age, but differed in duration of exposure. A longer exposure time and presumably, therefore, larger body burdens of lead seemed to prevent the expected decrease in erythrocyte ZPP.
Grandjean
P
P
Department of Environmental Medicine, Odense University, Odense, Denmark.
Jørgensen
P J
PJ
Viskum
S
S
D000328:Adult; D001822:Body Burden; D002617:Chemical Industry; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011524:Protoporphyrins / Q000097:blood*; D013997:Time Factors; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood*
D011524:Protoporphyrins; D007854:Lead; D015032:Zinc