Effects of Inorganic Lead on Behavioral and Neurologic Function, January 1978

摘要

Subjects in the study of the effects of lead (7439921) exposure on behavioral and neurologic function were employed in two regions of the United States. Of the 140 workers sampled, 85 workers were exposed to lead in the job and 55 served as comparisons. Each worker who volunteered for the study was subjected to 53 behavioral measures of sensory and motor functioning, six measures of nerve conduction velocity, five indices of inorganic lead absorption, a clinical electromyogram, and a clinical neurological examination. Demographic data were also collected from each participant. The exposed workers were employed in the storage battery manufacturing industry. Based on the data obtained in the study and others, the adverse effects of occupational exposure to inorganic lead (7439921) on certain functional capacities was demonstrated. Quantifiable behavioral and neurological effects were noted at levels below the accepted biologic guideline of 80 micrograms of lead per 100 milliliters of blood. Deficits in the peripheral nerves, in visual reaction time, as well as deficits in auditory functioning were demonstrated. According to the authors, questions concerning the progression of these effects and their reversibility in individual workers must be addressed.