Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function testes in lead exposed workers

Abstract EN

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.