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. 2012 Nov;14(11):737-42.
doi: 10.5812/ircmj.4134. Epub 2012 Nov 15.

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function testes in lead exposed workers

Mohammad Reza Khazdair  1 , Mohammad Hossein Boskabady, Reza Afshari, Bita Dadpour, Amir Behforouz, Mohammad Javidi, Abbasali Abbasnezhad, Valiallah Moradi, Seyed Saleh Tabatabaie
Affiliations

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function testes in lead exposed workers

Mohammad Reza Khazdair et al. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2012 Nov.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Lead; Respiratory Function Tests; Signs and Symptoms, Respiratory.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Comparison of prevalence (a) and severity (b) of respiratory symptoms between control subjects and lead exposed workers (for Control group, n = 100 and lead exposed group, n=108). ***: P < 0.001
Figure 2
Figure 2. Comparison of pulmonary functional tests (PFT) between control subjects and lead exposedworkers (for Control group, n = 100 and lead exposed group, n = 108). Values were presents as mean ± SD. FVC: forced vital capacity, FEV1: forced expiratory volume in one second, MMEF: maximal mid expiratory flow, PEF: peak expiratory flow, MEF75, MEF50, and MEF25: maximal expiratory flow at 75%, 50%, and 25% of the FVC, respectively. Statistical significance between two groups; *: P < 0.05, ***: P < 0.001
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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