Korean J Occup Environ Med.  2012 Jun;24(2):195-205.

A Case of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in an Equipment Maintenance Worker Exposed to Lead

• Yoon IK
• Lim HJ
• Ju YS
• An SJ
• Kwon YJ

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease involving the upper and lower motor neuron of the brain and spinal cord, leading ultimately to death due to respiratory failure in most cases. The etiology of ALS is currently unknown, but several studies show that lead exposure might be one of the potential environmental causes of ALS. In this perspective, we introduce a case involving an ALS patient exposed to lead while maintaining mechanical equipment in a waste treatment plant.
METHODS
The patient was interviewed and his medical records were investigated to confirm the final diagnosis of ALS. The results of his health examination and working environment measurement were reviewed in order to evaluate the relation of his work with ALS. We also performed an analysis of lead concentration from samples taken from his workplace when we visited the plant to survey the work environment.
RESULTS
Based on the patient's clinical information, work environment, relatively high level of blood lead concentration, and several studies proposing the occupational relationship between lead and ALS, his ALS may possibly have been caused by lead exposure at his workplace.
CONCLUSIONS
Given the recent situation where the causal association between lead exposure and ALS is still unclear, this case report could be used as a basis to support the relevance of lead exposure with ALS, and to help improve the health and work environment of other workers who are likely to be exposed to lead.

Keyword

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Lead; Occupational exposure; Etiology

MeSH Terms

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Brain
Humans
Medical Records
Motor Neurons
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Occupational Exposure
Plants
Respiratory Insufficiency
Spinal Cord

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