OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was the assessment of occupational exposure to lead in a metallurgy plant, by measuring biological exposure and effects indicators; and the mapping of risk areas throughout the industrial plant. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was performed involving 195 workers at a lead metallurgy plant and a reference group of 65 individuals, in the State of Bahia, Brazil. Both the exposed and control groups were tested for dosage levels for biological exposure and effects indicators for inorganic lead, including Pb-S, ALA-U, ZnPP and Hb - (blood lead level (BLL); d-aminolevulinic acid in urine (ALA-U); zinc-protoporphyrin (Zn-PP); and hemoglobin (Hb).
Lead in Blood; Occupational Exposure; BLL; ALA
