Effects of occupational exposure to lead on neurological and neurophsyiological functions among printing workers

ABSTRACT

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