mid-expiratory flow in cable workers exposed to lead

ABSTRACT

Lead particles and vapors have become among the most significant environmental pollutants. Cable workers are among industrial workers exposed to hazards of lead.This study included 83 male industrial workers, 43 of them were cable workers exposed to lead particles and vapors.The rest [40 workers] were unexposed and taken as controls. Both groups were interviewed and medically examined by a single investigator. The ventilatory function was assessed using the [Garthur Vitalograph]. The mean values of the forced mid-expiratory flow [FMF] for the different age groups of both the exposed and the control groups were determined. Medical examination revealed no detectable respiratoryabnormalities.However,therewas a significant percentage reduction in FMF of the exposed compared with the control group.The results of this effect were discussed and practical recommendations to protect cable workers against this hazard were outlined