Biological monitoring of glazers exposed to lead in the ceramics industry in Iran

Abstract

Exposure to heavy metals, particularly lead, takes place in the ceramics industry. Lead is used in glaze to produce smooth and brilliant surfaces; thus, there is a likelihood of occupational adverse effects on humans. Urine samples were collected from 49 glazers at the start and end of the work shifts (98 samples). Solid phase extraction was used for separation and pre-concentration of the analyte. Samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Lung function tests were performed on both control and lead exposed subjects. Statistical analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to evaluate the data obtained. The concentration of lead in glazers was 6.37 times higher than in the control group. Lung functions were significantly lower in the glazers compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Results showed that poor ventilation systems, overtime work and work history are effective determinants of high exposure levels.

The biochemical effects of occupational exposure to lead and cadmium on markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes activity in the blood of glazers in tile industry

“…However, in the glazers group, the blood Cd levels were 1.78-fold higher and blood Pb levels were below the values recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). These results are similar to those reported higher concentrations of urinary Pb (Shouroki et al, 2015a) and urinary Cd (Shouroki et al, 2015b) in glazers in tile industries.…”

“…In the ceramic tile industry, heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are employed as coloring powders to improve the strength of the products and polish them, as well as in the manufacture of various types of colored glaze (Cepriá et al, 2005). Glazers are heavily exposed to these toxic metals in glazing departments (Shouroki et al, 2015a, 2015b). There is the possibility of occupational exposure during activities such as weighing, unloading, mixing, and storing bags containing powder of metal components when a lot of respirable dust is generated (Shouroki et al, 2015a).…”

“…Glazers are heavily exposed to these toxic metals in glazing departments (Shouroki et al, 2015a, 2015b). There is the possibility of occupational exposure during activities such as weighing, unloading, mixing, and storing bags containing powder of metal components when a lot of respirable dust is generated (Shouroki et al, 2015a). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified Cd (Godt et al, 2006) and Pb (Landrigan et al, 2000) as, respectively, carcinogenic and a possible carcinogen in humans.…”

Health risk assessment from exposure to particles during packing in working environments

“…Elements such as Cr, Cd or Pb were detected in ceramic workers blood and urine samples in higher amounts than in control workers, causing a diminution of lung function and oxidative stress (Hormozi et al, 2018;Shouroki et al, 2015). Workers in the ceramic sector can also be exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust which was found to cause silicosis and oxidative damage in workers (Anlar et al, 2017;Nardi et al, 2018).…”