Effect of heavy metals exposure on neurobehavioral function in welders.
- Author:
Xian-Liang WANG
1
;
Yong-Jian YANG
;
Ming-Yu DING
;
Zhan-Jun QUAN
;
Xiu-Ge ZHAO
;
Jing NIE
;
Yan QIAN
;
Jin-Liang ZHANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Adult; Air Pollutants, Occupational; adverse effects; Central Nervous System Diseases; chemically induced; physiopathology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Metals, Heavy; adverse effects; Neuropsychological Tests; Occupational Exposure; adverse effects; Welding; Young Adult
- From: Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2008;26(11):641-644
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between heavy metals exposure and neurobehavioral function impairment in welders.
METHODSThe metals exposure in 82 welders and 51 operators were investigated with blood Pb, Cd and Mn via AAS, and the nervous impairment was evaluated with neurobehavioral core test battery (NCTB).
RESULTSPb [(115.49 +/- 79.22) microg/L] and Cd [(3.67 +/- 3.19) microg/L] in welders were significantly higher than operators [(69.32 +/- 50.79) and (0.83 +/- 0.76) microg/L respectively] (P < 0.05). Welders had worse standard scores of NCTB 13 items such as depression-dejection than non-welders (P < 0.05). Significant difference of confusion-bewilderment and forward digit span in welders only existed in different groups of Pb and Mn, respectively. A dose-effect relationship was found between forward digit span and serum Mn level in welders. General linear regression analysis indicated that Pb exposure, Mn exposure and alcohol consume had negative relation with the loss of nervous system function.
CONCLUSIONThe nervous impairment in welders is attributed to occupational exposure to Pb and Mn, concomitantly.
