High lead exposure in two leaded bronze ingot foundry workers.
10.1186/s40557-014-0038-8
- Author:
Yoojun SONG
1
;
Chunhui SUH
;
Shin Ae KIM
;
Nami KIM
;
Sung Min KIM
;
Seong Wook JEONG
;
Se Yeong KIM
;
Kun Hyung KIM
;
Jeong Ho KIM
;
Byung Chul SON
;
Chae Kwan LEE
;
Jong Tae LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine & Institute of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University, 75, Bokji-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan, 633-165 Republic of Korea. chsuh@paik.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Foundry;
Lead exposure;
Leaded bronze ingot
- MeSH:
Commerce;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Korea;
Lead Poisoning;
Middle Aged;
Occupational Exposure;
Occupational Health
- From:Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
2014;26(1):38-38
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Awareness about lead poisoning in South Korea has increased; however, occupational exposures occurring in small-scale businesses have not been thoroughly investigated. We report two cases of high lead exposure in a leaded bronze ingot foundry. CASE PRESENTATION: Two employees, a 54-year-old primary operator and a 46-year-old assistant, at a small-scale metalworking company who had been employed for 18 years and 1 month, respectively, showed elevated blood lead levels (61.1 mug/dL and 51.7 mug/dL, respectively) at an occupational health checkup. Neither worker complained of abnormal symptoms nor signs related to lead poisoning. Health assessment follow-ups were conducted and biological exposure indices of lead were calculated every four weeks. After the initial follow-up assessment, both workers were relocated from the foundry process to the metalworking process. In addition, a localized exhaust system was installed after the second follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Foundry workers in a small-scale businesses might be at high risk of lead exposure because these businesses might be vulnerable to poor industrial hygiene. Therefore, regular occupational health checkups are required.
