Effects of exposure to lead among lead-acid battery factory workers in Sudan

Journal Article · · Arch. Environ. Health; (United States)

OSTI ID:6754619

Mohamed, A A.E.K.; Hamed, A A.S.; Elhaimi, Y A.A.; Osman, Y

Health effects of occupational exposure to lead were investigated among 92 exposed workers in lead-acid battery factory and 40 nonexposed workers serving as a control group from an oil mill in Khartoum North industrial area. The two groups were closely similar in age, stature, body weight, and socioeconomic conditions. A highly significant increase (P<.01) was recorded in blood lead, urinary coproporphyrin, and basophilic stippled red blood cells of the exposed group in comparison to the control group. Central nervous system symptoms (insomnia, fatigue, weakness, and drowsiness) were reported by 50% and other symptoms such as abdominal colic and constipation were reported by 41% of the exposed group. Blue line on the gum was detected only on 2% of the exposed group. Strong associations between exposure to lead and the prevalence of central nervous system symptoms, abdominal colic, and constipation were recorded. Exposure to exceedingly high levels of lead in the working environment causes adverse health effects.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Khartoum, Sudan
• OSTI ID: 6754619
• Journal Information: Arch. Environ. Health; (United States), Vol. 41:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
LEAD
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
TOXICITY
LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
HEALTH HAZARDS
BLOOD
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
PERSONNEL
SUDAN
SYMPTOMS
TISSUE DISTRIBUTION
AFRICA
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BODY FLUIDS
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELEMENTS
HAZARDS
MATERIALS
METALS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism &amp; Toxicology