[Effect of occupational exposure to lead, zinc and cadmium on various indicators of the circulatory system of metallurgical workers]

Abstract

386 workers occupationally exposed to Pb, Cd and Zn in metallurgical plants were examined to evaluate the influence of lead, cadmium and zinc on circulatory system. The workers were divided into groups according to age and degree of poisoning with metals. Control group included 325 persons, selected according to age, occupationally unexposed to metals. All groups of persons were subject to medical examinations including ECG. Significantly higher prevalence of systolic murmur and heart ventricles repolarization disorders was found in the group exposed irrespective of the age of particular individuals. The workers exposed aged up to 40 years develop more frequently arterial hypertension and heart rhythm disorders. The results obtained indicate that Pb, Cd and Zn adversely affect the circulatory system.