Biological monitoring of glazers exposed to lead in the ceramics industry in Iran.
Exposure to heavy metals, particularly lead, takes place in the ceramics industry. Lead is used in glaze to produce smooth and brilliant surfaces; thus, there is a likelihood of occupational adverse effects on humans. Urine samples were collected from 49 glazers at the start and end of the work shifts (98 samples). Solid phase extraction was used for separation and pre-concentration of the analyte. Samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Lung function tests were performed on both control and lead exposed subjects. Statistical analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to evaluate the data obtained. The concentration of lead in glazers was 6.37 times higher than in the control group. Lung functions were significantly lower in the glazers compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Results showed that poor ventilation systems, overtime work and work history are effective determinants of high exposure levels.
a School of Public Health , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Iran.
Fatemeh Kargar
FK
Shouroki
b School of Public Health, Institute for Environmental Research , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Iran.
Seyed Jamaleddin
SJ
Shahtaheri
a School of Public Health , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Iran.
Farideh
F
Golbabaei
c School of Public Health , Yazd University of Medical Sciences , Iran.
Abolfazle
A
Barkhordari
a School of Public Health , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Iran.
Abbas
A
Rahimi-Froushani
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002516:Ceramics; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D007492:Iran; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000652:urine; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D007854:Lead
ceramics industry; glazer; inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy; spirometry; urine lead