Health monitoring in employees exposed to lead: review the evidence

Abstract

Introduction: Lead is a toxic metal found in the Earth's crust and has been used by humans for 7,000 years due to its high density, flexibility and strength, and low melting point. The widespread use of this metal in industry and the exposure of workers has led to widespread environmental pollution and public health problems in many parts of the world. Due to the widespread use of lead in various occupations and also the importance of complications caused by exposure to it, biological monitoring of employees exposed to this substance has always been of particular importance in occupational medicine and occupational health, so in this article, a review of the latest Changes to the Biological Monitoring Guidelines for Lead Exposed Employees We review recruitment, periodic, and termination surveys. 

Method: This study aimed to investigate high-risk occupations and prevent and control lead exposure complications prevent and control lead exposure complications in work environments. GoogleScholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases from 1980 to 2021, and CDC, ACOEM, OSHA, WHO, and ATSDR guidelines were examined by thematic search method. 4 articles and 11 guidelines were selected and used in writing this article. 

Results: Studies have shown that many businesses, including manufacturers of lead-acid batteries, ammunition, paints, ceramic glazes, etc., are exposed to lead and its health effects.

Conclusion: To control and prevent the complications caused by exposure to lead, all workers who have occupational exposure to lead should be examined at the beginning of employment and periodically at regular intervals.