Occupational lead toxicity in craft potters

Abstract EN

Lead intoxication risks were studied in a community of ceramic folk art workers in Nabeul (Tunisia), where the manufacture of low temperature lead ceramic ware is a family tradition and often the only source of income.

Data on lifestyle, working conditions and clinical disorders were collected from workers.

31 potters working in five different workshops were included in this study.

Blood lead levels were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

Blood lead levels ranged from 40 to 540 µg/L, with a mean of 220.3 µg/L.

42 percent of potters had a blood lead level over 200 µg/L and 13 % over 400 µg/L, which is over the World Health Organization guidelines for removing workers from exposure, as this is the concentration over which renal damage is accelerated.

In the community of ceramic folk art workers living in north-eastern Tunisia, blood lead concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05).

Our findings showed that the use of lead-oxide glaze can increase the risk of lead toxicity and reiterate the need for strict guidelines regarding the use of lead in pottery and replacing it by lead free paints.