Respiratory Symptoms and Pulmonary Function Testes in Lead Exposed Workers

BACKGROUND: The exposure to noxious agwents such as lead my cause lung disorders. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, pulmonary function tests and self-reported respiratory symptoms in lead exposure workers were compared with matched control subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The frequency of respiratory symptoms were evaluated in a sample of 108 lead exposure workers and 100 control subjects with similar age using a questionnaire including questions on respiratory symptoms in the past year. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were also measured in lead exposure workers and in controls. RESULTS: Most lead exposure workers (63%) reported work-related respiratory symptoms. Chest tightness (26%), cough (17%) and sputum (16%) were the most common symptoms and only 6% of lead exposure workers reported wheezing (P < 0.001 for all case except wheezing). Most PFT values were also significantly reduced among lead exposure workers (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001 except MEF75, MEF50, MEF25, and MMEF. The lead concentration in urine and serum of lead exposure workers were significantly higher than control (P < 0.001 for both cases). CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that c lead exposure workers have higher frequencies of respiratory symptoms higher serum and urine lead concentration but lower PFT values.