Neuropsychiatric and haematologic manifestations in workers occupationally exposed to lead [Pb], mercury [Hg] and trinitrotoluene [TNT]

ABSTRACT

One hundred and four exposed workers to Pb, Hg and TNT in explosives industry and fifty non-exposed workers were subjected to this study. Environmental analysis for the level of atmospheric Pb concentration in workplace is double [280 ug/m] the TWA level. The Pb-B level of exposed workers ranged between 30.2 to 74.6 ug% [mean 43.14 +/- 10.14] and for the nonexposed between 15 to 35.5 ug% [mean 22.51 +/- 7.19]. More than 3/4 [78.8%] of exposed workers presented with more than one neuropsychiatric symptom in comparison to 16% among the non-exposed group. Numbness [60.5%], impotence [45.1%], muscle weakness [36.5%] and headache [15.4%] were the main symptoms of exposed workers. Neuropsychiatric signs were manifested among 71.2% of exposed and 10% among non-exposed workers. The main signs were peripheral neuritis, muscle weakness and mental changes. EEG tracing and fundus examination were normal for exposed and non-exposed workers. Haemoglobin concentration and RBCs and WBCs counts were significantly decreased among exposed workers