Blood lead level risk factors and reference value derivation in a cross-sectional study of potentially lead-exposed workers in Iran.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES:This exploratory investigation aimed to measure blood lead levels and associated risk factors in exposed workers in Iran, and to derive appropriate reference values for blood lead in this population as a means of epidemiological comparison. DESIGN:Cross-sectional. SETTING:Manufacturing plants with potential lead exposure in Southern Khorasan Province, Iran. PARTICIPANTS:The study included 630 workers, selected through stratified random sampling. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES:The primary measures in this exploratory investigation were venous blood lead concentration (BLC) and associated risk factors of age, gender, work experience, cigarette smoking and history of opium use. The secondary measures were symptoms associated with lead toxicity. Data analyses were conducted

SUBMITTER: Nakhaee S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6609121 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature