Lead absorption and renal dysfunction in a South African battery factory.

Abstract

An exposure-response relation between Pb and renal dysfunction across the range from < 40 to > 70 micrograms/dl blood Pb was found in this workforce, with conventional measures of short and long term Pb exposure and of renal function. This could not be explained by an effect on blood pressure, which was not associated with Pb exposure. The findings probably reflect a higher cumulative renal burden of Pb absorption in this workforce in comparison with those in recent negative studies. The results also confirm the need for strategies to reduce Pb exposure among industrial workers in South Africa.