CEJOEM 1999 5(2):148-159
ABSTRACT: Iron and steelworkers are exposed to many
pollutants through the different industrial processes. Lead toxicity is
one of the most prominent health hazards of iron and steel industries.
Many studies identify risk factors for elevated blood-lead levels in iron
and steelworkers. Blood lead was also proved to be significantly higher
in smokers than in non-smokers. In the current study, we measure the levels
of lead in the air of the different sections of an iron and steel factory.
The workers were interviewed to gather information about their age, period
of occupational exposure to the industrial processes and their smoking
habits. The blood lead concentrations were estimated to show the synergistic
effect of smoking habit and lead exposure on the blood lead levels of the
workers. It was found that the deposition rate of Pb and the suspended
particulate concentrations show no significant difference between the different
sections of the factory (p > 0.05). However, the highest concentration
of Pb in the suspended particulate was recorded in the steel section (118.3
µg/m3), besides it had the lowest deposition velocity (0.0001 cm/s).
So, the workers at this section may be exposed to large amounts of suspended
fine Pb particulates for a longer period than in the other sections. It
was also found that the blood Pb level is significantly higher in the smokers
(44.7±18.1µg/dl) than in the non-smoking (37.1±18.1µg/dl).
Moreover, there was positive correlation between the blood Pb levels and
the duration of exposure (r = +0.43, p < 0.0005). There is an interaction
of smoking and exposure period on the PbB levels (p < 0.05). The age
of the workers was also positively correlated with the blood Pb levels
(r = +0.37, p < 0.005); this could be because of the positive correlation
between their age and their years of exposure (r = +0.7, p < 0.0005).
The most important recommendations are starting a smoking cessation program
for workers exposed to Pb; especially those working in the steel section,
beside the usage of safety measures and environmental controlling programs.
KEY WORDS: Blood lead levels, smokers, smoking habit, occupational exposure, iron and steel manufacturing, iron and steelworkers
| Received: 27 April 1999
Accepted: 10 September 1999 Posted: December 1999 |
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