Blood lead - an inadequate measure of occupational exposure.

Abstract

Thirty lead workers were investigated for possible excessive lead exposure using the following screening tests: blood lead, delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP), urinary lead, and edathamil calcium disodium (EDTA) mobilization. It was shown that an increased body burden of lead as evidenced by the more sensitive tests can coexist with blood lead levels below 80 ..mu..g/100 ml and that workers with blood lead concentrations below this currently accepted safe level may manifest evidence of lead nephropathy. It is concluded that the blood lead concentration alone is an inadequate measure of occupational exposure.