Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function testes in lead exposed workers.

BACKGROUND

The exposure to noxious agwents such as lead my cause lung disorders.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, pulmonary function tests and self-reported respiratory symptoms in lead exposure workers were compared with matched control subjects.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The frequency of respiratory symptoms were evaluated in a sample of 108 lead exposure workers and 100 control subjects with similar age using a questionnaire including questions on respiratory symptoms in the past year. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were also measured in lead exposure workers and in controls.

RESULTS

Most lead exposure workers (63%) reported work-related respiratory symptoms. Chest tightness (26%), cough (17%) and sputum (16%) were the most common symptoms and only 6% of lead exposure workers reported wheezing (P < 0.001 for all case except wheezing). Most PFT values were also significantly reduced among lead exposure workers (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001 except MEF75, MEF50, MEF25, and MMEF. The lead concentration in urine and serum of lead exposure workers were significantly higher than control (P < 0.001 for both cases).

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that c lead exposure workers have higher frequencies of respiratory symptoms higher serum and urine lead concentration but lower PFT values.