Biological monitoring of glazers exposed to lead in the ceramics industry in Iran

Abstract

Exposure to heavy metals, particularly lead, takes place in the ceramics industry. Lead is used in glaze to produce smooth and brilliant surfaces; thus, there is a likelihood of occupational adverse effects on humans. Urine samples were collected from 49 glazers at the start and end of the work shifts (98 samples). Solid phase extraction was used for separation and pre-concentration of the analyte. Samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Lung function tests were performed on both control and lead exposed subjects. Statistical analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to evaluate the data obtained. The concentration of lead in glazers was 6.37 times higher than in the control group. Lung functions were significantly lower in the glazers compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Results showed that poor ventilation systems, overtime work and work history are effective determinants of high exposure levels.

Keywords:

• glazer
• urine lead
• ceramics industry
• spirometry
• inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Mrs Parvane Talebi, Mr Gholam Hossein Halvani and Mr Mohammad Reza Besharati for their kind assistance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Funding

This research has been supported by Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services [grant number 11/2/88/8911]. The authors acknowledge the support of the University.