Studies on the Health Hazards of Lead and Cadmium on the Painters in Ceramics

Abstract

Health examinations were undertaken to determine health hazards of lead and cadmium on painters in the ceramic field. 283 persons were examined regarding lead and cadmium concentration in urine, protein and glucose levels in urine as well as hemoglobin and hematcrit levels.
Results are as follows:
(1) Concentration of lead in the urine from painters was higher than that of non-painters and 6% were above 150μg/L.
(2) It was found that the lead decreased blood hemoglobin and hematcrit levels even when the greater part of lead concentration in urine was under 150μg/L.
(3) In the group where both lead and cadmium concentration in the urine was high, hemoglobin and hematcrit levels decreased considerably making recognizable the fact that lead and cadmium result in considerable co-operative injury on the blood.