The Trace Element Pattern in Occupationally Lead Exposed Workers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the
effect of occupational lead exposure on blood levels of
copper, zinc, chromium and selenium. In this study,
retrospective evaluation of 2379 patients presenting to
Ankara Occupational Diseases Hospital for lead
measurement from 2010 to 2014 was done. Blood lead
levels >10 μg/dL was considered as exposure limit and
participants were classified into 2 groups as “leadexposed
group” and “control group”. Median copper and
zinc values of exposed group were significantly lower
than control group (p=0.004 and p=0.010, respectively).
In group comparison data, there was not any significant
difference in terms of selenium and chromium levels
(p=0.422 and p=0.371, respectively). Further studies
must be done to establish link between lead and essential
elements.
Key