Ann Occup Environ Med.  2014 ;26(1):38-38. 10.1186/s40557-014-0038-8.

High lead exposure in two leaded bronze ingot foundry workers

• Song Y
• Suh C
• Kim SA
• Kim N
• Kim SM
• Jeong SW
• Kim SY
• Kim KH
• Kim JH
• Son BC
• Lee CK
• Lee JT

• KMID: 2153921
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-014-0038-8

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Awareness about lead poisoning in South Korea has increased; however, occupational exposures occurring in small-scale businesses have not been thoroughly investigated. We report two cases of high lead exposure in a leaded bronze ingot foundry.
CASE PRESENTATION
Two employees, a 54-year-old primary operator and a 46-year-old assistant, at a small-scale metalworking company who had been employed for 18 years and 1 month, respectively, showed elevated blood lead levels (61.1 mug/dL and 51.7 mug/dL, respectively) at an occupational health checkup. Neither worker complained of abnormal symptoms nor signs related to lead poisoning. Health assessment follow-ups were conducted and biological exposure indices of lead were calculated every four weeks. After the initial follow-up assessment, both workers were relocated from the foundry process to the metalworking process. In addition, a localized exhaust system was installed after the second follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Foundry workers in a small-scale businesses might be at high risk of lead exposure because these businesses might be vulnerable to poor industrial hygiene. Therefore, regular occupational health checkups are required.

Keyword

Foundry; Lead exposure; Leaded bronze ingot

MeSH Terms

Commerce
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Korea
Lead Poisoning
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Occupational Health