[Effect of heavy metals exposure on neurobehavioral function in welders].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the relationship between heavy metals exposure and neurobehavioral function impairment in welders.


METHODS
The metals exposure in 82 welders and 51 operators were investigated with blood Pb, Cd and Mn via AAS, and the nervous impairment was evaluated with neurobehavioral core test battery (NCTB).


RESULTS
Pb [(115.49 +/- 79.22) microg/L] and Cd [(3.67 +/- 3.19) microg/L] in welders were significantly higher than operators [(69.32 +/- 50.79) and (0.83 +/- 0.76) microg/L respectively] (P < 0.05). Welders had worse standard scores of NCTB 13 items such as depression-dejection than non-welders (P < 0.05). Significant difference of confusion-bewilderment and forward digit span in welders only existed in different groups of Pb and Mn, respectively. A dose-effect relationship was found between forward digit span and serum Mn level in welders. General linear regression analysis indicated that Pb exposure, Mn exposure and alcohol consume had negative relation with the loss of nervous system function.


CONCLUSIONS
The nervous impairment in welders is attributed to occupational exposure to Pb and Mn, concomitantly.
Wang
Xian-Liang
XL
Division of Environmental Pollution and Health, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, Beijing 100012, China.
Yang
Yong-Jian
YJ
Ding
Ming-Yu
MY
Quan
Zhan-Jun
ZJ
Zhao
Xiu-Ge
XG
Nie
Jing
J
Qian
Yan
Y
Zhang
Jin-Liang
JL
D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014896:Welding; D055815:Young Adult
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D019216:Metals, Heavy