engleski

Correlations of blood lead in lead workers and the incidence of micronuclei

Lead is still widely used around the world. Non-fitted lead compounds can be partially soluble and be absorbed into the body. It is a cumulative poison that can cause a wide variety of health problems. This study assessed cumulative exposures to the lead by monitoring the blood lead level (Pb-B) and the frequency of cytochalasin B blocked micronuclei in blood lymphocytes (MN). We sampled 40 persons in exposed and 40 persons in control group. Each group included 15 women and 25 men. The Pb-B of each person (control and exposed) was analyzed using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometer Perkin-Elmer 5100/Zeeman. The blood lead level in control group was 35.2 &#181; ; g/l, and in exposed group 357.33 &#181; ; g/l. The Pb-B in smokers in control group was significantly higher (p< 0.008091) than in non-smokers. It was also observed that blood lead level increase with age in both groups, and was significantly higher in men in both groups. The average number of micronuclei in exposed group was 19.46 and in the control group 8.37. T-test for dependent variables showed significance in micronuclei frequency between controls and exposed group (p< 0.001). Our results show significant increase in MN frequency with age in both groups, as well as with years of exposure in exposed group. These results indicate a lead as a hazard agent, and therefore point out to the necessity of periodically monitoring of biomarkers (MN and blood lead level) in workers exposed to lead.

micronuclei; lead exposed workers

doi:10.1016/j.toxlet.2007.05.312