The Trace Element Pattern in Occupationally Lead Exposed Workers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine theeffect of occupational lead exposure on blood levels ofcopper, zinc, chromium and selenium. In this study,retrospective evaluation of 2379 patients presenting toAnkara Occupational Diseases Hospital for leadmeasurement from 2010 to 2014 was done. Blood leadlevels >10 μg/dL was considered as exposure limit andparticipants were classified into 2 groups as “leadexposedgroup” and “control group”. Median copper andzinc values of exposed group were significantly lowerthan control group (p=0.004 and p=0.010, respectively).In group comparison data, there was not any significantdifference in terms of selenium and chromium levels(p=0.422 and p=0.371, respectively). Further studiesmust be done to establish link between lead and essentialelements.Key