Lead-associated health hazards and immunotoxic effects among plumbers

ABSTRACT

Although the toxicity of lead was recognized centuries ago, cencem was restricted to overt symptoms as colic, enchephalopathy, anemia or renal disease. Recently extensive investigations indicated that lead has a potential immunotoxicity. We studied chronic lead effect on both humoral immunoglobulins and urinary NAG as indicators of early lead toxicity. We observed a reduction of IgA, IgM, IgG levels among the exposed workers. This is negatively con-elated with blood lead levels. A positive correlation between renal function parameters [NAG, serum urea, creatinine] and blood lead levels was also demonstrated. We suggested monitoring the level of immunoglobulin and urinary NAG as indicators of lead toxicity