Urinary excretion of lead, zinc, copper and cadmium among auto-workers

ABSTRACT

Garages and auto-repair shops may be polluted with lead and other heavy metals. Twenty four hour urine samples of 77 auto workers from Mansoura City and 9 control subjects of comparable age were analyzed for lead, zinc, and copper. The urinary excretion of lead was significantly increased in welders and electricians. There was a high significant increase in urinary zinc excretion in welders, electricians and car painters; while the urinary copper excretion showed a significant increase in, only, the electricians. The cadmium content of urine of auto-workers was comparable with controls. It has been concluded that the assessment of urinary lead, when substantiated by careful medical surveillance of auto-workers may be a good means for control of lead intoxication in this industry