Lead Level in Blood of Factories Workers in Syria

ABSTRACT

The level of lead in blood of Syrian workers in some industries was investigated. It is known that lead could be absorbed through all routes of exposure. Therefore, it is important to follow the level of lead in workers involved in batteries, petrol and paints industries. Lead concentration in blood was determined by atomic absorption. A total of 463 workers divided into 4 groups, in addition to 122 volunteers were screened for their lead level of blood. The results show that an extremely high concentration of lead was found in those working in batteries manufacturing [mean of 523 pg / L], whereas moderate elevation was found in workers involved in paints industry. However, petroleum industry workers showed slight increase in lead concentration but it was not significant. This study proved that many factors might affect lead level in blood, such as age, duration of exposure, sex, wellbeing status and residence location. It is concluded that workers have lead concentration higher than 200 pg / L should not be in direct contact with any lead-containing product or by-product. The technology used in such industry must be upgraded, and environmental law should be strictly applied in all sectors of industry