High prevalence of parkinsonism after occupational exposure to lead-sulfate batteries.
Seven of nine postal workers exposed to lead-sulfate batteries over a period of up to 30 years developed parkinsonian symptoms. One of the remaining two showed left-hand bradykinesia and one was not available for examination. The high prevalence and cause of parkinsonism in these patients remains unexplained. Lead intoxication may play a role in the occurrence of parkinsonian symptoms, but involvement of sulfate and other sulfur compounds must also be considered.
Kuhn
W
W
Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, St. Josef Hospital Bochum, Germany.
Winkel
R
R
Woitalla
D
D
Meves
S
S
Przuntek
H
H
Müller
T
T
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004581:Electronics; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011177:Postal Service; D015995:Prevalence
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D007854:Lead; C032722:lead sulfate