Springe auf Hauptinhalt Springe auf Hauptmenü Springe auf SiteSearch

Zur Frage einer Bleiintoxikation als Berufskrankheit bei Korrosionsschutzarbeitern*

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine whether high-level exposure to lead for several weeks meets the requirements necessary to be classed as a lead-induced occupational disease (BK 1101). In addition, the diagnostic value of lead mobilisation compared to blood lead levels is assessed. Method: We examined eight men aged between 18 and 43 years who were exposed to dust containing lead oxide during corrosion protection work for several weeks. The investigation programme comprised the workers’ medical history, a physical examination, neuropsychological diagnostics using ANES, clinical-chemical parameters (hematology, beta-2-microglobuline, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, uric proteins) and biomonitoring (blood lead, lead in urine collected over 24 hours before and after provocation with DMPS [Dimaval®]). Results: The exposure period lasted between 2 and 13 weeks (median:6 weeks). The content of lead in blood varied between 51 and 871 μg/ l (median: 491 μg/ l). The amount of lead eliminated in urine collected over 24 hours was between 9 to 171 μg/l (median: 58 μg/l). Following the administration of 300 mg DMPS a significant increase in the amount of lead eliminated (13 to 682 μg/ l, median: 393 μg/l) by an average of factor 5 was observed. Correlation analysis revealed a statistical relationship between the blood lead concentrations before and after the administration of DMPS, but not with the respective urine lead concentrations. The duration of exposure correlated sign ificantly with the blood lead concentrations as well as the lead levels in urine collected over 24 hours before the adminstration of DMPS significantly, but not with urinary elimination of lead after mobilisation. Symptoms characteristic for lead intoxication and objective changes in the target organs (blood, nervous system, kidney) were not detectable. Conclusions: During abrasive blasting operations, in particular while removing anti-corrosive paint, in addition to the technical arrangements for occupational safety and health, regular examinations according to the G 2 guidelines of the employer’s liability insurance association for occupational medicine are recommended. There was no substantial additional diagnostic information provided by DMPS-induced elimination of lead. Despite a lead body burden in some cases occupational disease BK 1101 could not be confirmed in any of the employees.