Blood lead and erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels in association with smoking and personal hygienic behaviour among lead exposed workers.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of smoking and personal hygienic behaviour on blood lead (BPb) and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels (FEP) in lead exposed workers.


METHODS
Subjects were 105 lead exposed male workers in a battery recycling plant during the years 2000-03. BPb and FEP were measured as part of the ongoing occupational surveillance. Each worker completed a questionnaire for assessment of smoking and four measures of personal hygienic behaviour (glove and mask use, hand and face washing before meals during working hours).


RESULTS
Statistically significant decreases in mean BPb and FEP occurred during the three years. The proportion of BPb reduction in the non-smoking workers was significantly higher (mean 24.3%) than in the smoking workers (15.3%). When the workers were classified into three groups (excellent, good, and poor) based on the four personal hygienic behavioural indicators, the greatest decreases of BPb and FEP were observed in the non-smoking workers of the excellent group.


CONCLUSIONS
The consistent use of protection devices and cleanliness at work appeared to contribute to the lowering of BPb and FEP. Cessation of smoking in the workplace was also of importance.
Karita
K
K
Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan. kanae@med.teikyo-u.ac.jp
Nakao
M
M
Ohwaki
K
K
Yamanouchi
Y
Y
Nishikitani
M
M
Nomura
K
K
Sato
M
M
Yano
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D005145:Face; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011481:Protective Clothing; D011524:Protoporphyrins / Q000097:blood*; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016540:Smoking Cessation
D015386:Hazardous Substances; D011524:Protoporphyrins; D007854:Lead