Cross-sectional neurotoxicology study of lead-exposed cohort

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Journal of Toxicology, Clinical Toxicology; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.3109/15563658909038568· OSTI ID:5477485

Pasternak, G; Becker, C E; Lash, A; Bowler, R; Estrin, W J; Law, D ^[1]

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1. San Francisco General Hospital, CA (USA)

Although the toxic effects of lead have been known for centuries, lead intoxication is still widespread in the United States. Without baseline tests of neuropsychological, neurobehavioral and neurophysiological testing it may be difficult to detect subtle changes in neurological function after lead exposure. This may be further confounded by partial chelation treatment and exposure to neurotoxic mixtures or inability to quantitate alcohol consumption. We undertook a cross-sectional study to address these problems in 24 exposed and 29 control subjects in a plant that manufactured electrical components using fritted leaded glass to coat capacitors and transistors. Potentially exposed workers had blood lead levels ranging between 3 micrograms/dL to 135 micrograms/dL. Industrial hygiene monitoring revealed the plant's air lead levels ranged from 61 micrograms/m3 to 1,700 micrograms/m3 in excess of OSHA permissible exposure limits of 40 micrograms/m3/10 hr day. Using a specially designed battery of neurophysiological, neurobehavioral and neuropsychological screening tests, we demonstrated a significant difference from controls in measures of psychomotor speed, motor strength and verbal memory. Although limited by the cross-sectional design, these findings support the hypothesis that the battery of neurophysiological, neuropsychological and neurobehavioral tests can detect a significant inter-group differences between lead-exposed and control subjects.

• OSTI ID: 5477485
• Journal Information: Journal of Toxicology, Clinical Toxicology; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Toxicology, Clinical Toxicology; (USA) Vol. 27:1-2; ISSN 0731-3810; ISSN JTCTD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
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LEAD
METALS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PERSONNEL
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