Impact of occupational lead exposure on nerve conduction study data

Abstract

Introduction

To investigate nerve conduction data of lead exposed workers.

Methods

A total of 287 subjects, consisting of 197 lead exposed workers and 90 healthy controls were included. Nerve conduction study of motor (median, ulnar, peroneal and tibial) and sensory (median, ulnar and sural) nerves were performed. The data were analyzed as two and three groups.

Results

The median blood lead level was 40.90 µg/dl. Median sensory, ulnar motor, and ulnar sensory conduction velocity were lower; distal latency of median motor, median sensory and sural sensory were longer than the controls (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the groups in terms of amplitudes.

Discussion

This study was indicated the neurotoxic effect of lead exposure may occur in the peripheral nerves, while the mean blood lead level is 40 µg/dl.

Keywords:

• Lead exposed workers
• nerve conduction study
• lead
• exposure
• toxic
• neuropathy

Acknowledgements

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).