Such a study on battery workers and painters has not been reported in India. Several attempts have been made over the years to relate blood lead levels to adverse health effects. It was not possible to determine a precise blood lead level below which symptoms never occur or a blood lead level at which symptoms are always reported.
An attempt was made to study the usefulness of activated carbon fabric (ACF) mask to prevent lead absorption. Indigenous ACF masks were provided to eight workers involved in the manufacture of batteries. Their blood lead levels were determined before and after using these masks. There was a substantial decrease in blood lead level after using the mask among those who were under treatment for high blood lead levels. Three workers who were not under treatment for lead also showed a decrease in blood lead level, after using this ACF mask, suggesting the usefulness of ACF in preventing further exposure. Such a study has not been reported anywhere in the available literature and similar such studies with more number of masks is necessary to evaluate its effectiveness.
An 18-year-old male presented with progressive breathlessness and cough of two months duration. He also complained of generalised body pains, low grade intermittent fever, anorexia and weight loss. He was started on empiric daily anti-tuberculosis treatment with rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazianmide and ethambutol from elsewhere for right-sided pleural effusion one month ago. He presented to us as he did not experience improvement in his condition. There was no other significant medical history. Physical examination showed a 10cm x 8cm, non-tender hard bony mass with ill-defined margins over the upper third of left arm. There was no evidence of digital clubbing or peripheral lymphadenopathy. Respiratory system examination showed features of a right-sided pleural effusion.
InvestigationsRoutine blood and urine investigations were normal. Serum alkaline phosphate levels were elevated (1176 IU/L). Chest radiograph (Figure 1) showed a right-sided pleural effusion with bilateral pleuro-pulmonary calcific lesions. Antero-posterior and lateral radiograph showed bony mass in the upper third of left humerus (Figure 2). Computed tomography (CT) of chest (Figure 3) revealed bilateral pleuro-pulmonary calcifications with right-[
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