Blood Lead Levels in Workers at Kooshk Lead and Zinc Mine

The extensive use of Lead has led to health problems including CNS, anemia and other occupational poisoning among workers. To determine the blood lead levels in relation to demographic factors, this study was carried out.

In this cross sectional study, 490 workers at Kooshk Lead and Zinc mine were selected and blood samples were taken. The blood lead levels were assessed according to the NIOSH standard using atomic absorption.

The mean, minimum and maximum of blood lead levels were 49, 9 and 116 mg/dl, respectively. The blood lead levels in 45.7 percent of workers was more than permissible limit. The blood lead level was not significantly related to age and history of work. The lowest and highest levels of blood lead were 9 & 116 mg/dl, respectively. In contrast, significant relationship was seen between the location of work and blood lead level. The results showed that in the majority of workers with blood lead levels higher than standard limit, there was a significant relationship between the blood Lead levels and the hemoglobin concentration. The blood lead level in 45% of samples was more than Iranian standards.

The work location was the main factor affecting the blood lead levels. Attention should therefore be focused on the alteration of RBC and Hemoglobin levels during periodic medical examination of workers