Biomonitoring of Occupational Lead Exposure in a Lead-Acid Batteries Factory

This study assesses lead concentration in blood samples of the LAB workers and the control group and relates their lead exposure to socio-demographic, occupational characteristics, and air lead level. A total of 140 blood samples were analyzed for lead levels. The mean blood lead level (BLL) of workers (55.95 μg/dL) was much higher than that of the control group (8.54 μg/dL). the mean concentration of air lead level(ALL) in most stations (0.30±0.021) was higher than the recommended threshold (0.05 mg/m³). Analysis of all control samples showed concentrations lower than 0.05 mg/m³. There was no significant relationship between ALL and BLL (r= 0.423, P =0.078). The mean BLLs from the twelve occupational categories were the following, in descending order: alloying (68.11μg/dL), cos/casting (62.17μg/dL), assembly/elbak (58.43μg/dL), ball mill/oxidation (55.78μg/dL), the dough at the beginning of the line (43.56 μg/dL), plastic injection salon (38.35μg/dL), packing (38.11μg/dL), mixing (37.48μg/dL), networking (35.95μg/dL), filling acid (29.33μg/dL), plate cutting (24.3μg/dL) and dough the end of the line(23.43μg/dL). In this study, there was a significant relationship between the related factors including personal protective equipment and work experience with the blood lead levels. We believe that the exposure to lead measured in this study represents the exposure to lead in similar and related institutions in Iran. Specific recommendations for dealing with lead exposure were provided through the use of appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and personal hygiene. With full implementation of the recommendations, a follow-up study is expected to be conducted to assess lead levels in these facilities