RESUMO
This study was designed to evaluate the neurological and the neurohysiological effects of chronic lead exposure. A group of printing workers exposed to inhalation, ingestion and skin absorption of lead, consisting of 47 subjects, as well as a control group from the non-exposed administrative subjects were included. This study was designed to evaluate the neurological and the neurophysiological effects of chromic lead exposure. A group of printing workers exposed to inhalation, ingestion and skin absorption of lead, consisting of 47 subjects, as well as a control group from the nonexposed administrative subjects were included. All subjects were submitted to assessment of exposure profile, general and neurological history and examination, blood lead concentration, blood picture, and a selected battery of neurophysiological investigations. Among exposed workers compared to controls, we detected a significantly higher prevalence 9% headache, fatigability, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling sensations and significantly higher blood lead levels and lower hemoglobin levels. The electro physiological studies showed significant motor and sensory slowing of nerve conduction velocities [NCVs], lowering of amplitudes, and prolongation of distal latencies both median and ulnar nerves of the exposed workers versus control subjects. Abnormalities of electromyograpnhy [EMG] in the form of neurogenic polyphasic waves during ' minimal muscle contraction and spontaneous activities were recorded in 91.7% and 16.7% respectively among exposed workers