Intoxicación por plomo: clínica, diagnóstico y factores ambientales condicionantes / Lead poisoning: clinics, diagnosis and environmental related factors

ABSTRACT

The environmental lead in the linotype room was 25 percent over the accepted values. Twelve of the 20 workers were poisoned and 3 were highly exposed. Poisoned workers were working in areas with high environmental lead concentrations, were in direct contact with the metal, had plasma lead concentrations over 70 ug/dl and an average exposure time over 17 years. Their clinical picture was not specific and related to plasma and environmental lead concentrations, length of exposure and type of contact. Lead poisoning must be suspected among workers exposed to high environmental concentrations and its treatment consists in withdrawing poisoned subjects from polluted areas.