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