ارزیابی مواجهه شغلی کارگران یک صنعت باطری‌سازی با فلز سرب

Background: Lead is one of the most toxic heavy metal which its toxicity and poisoning symptoms in workers of different industries (such as battery industry due to heavy use) is completely known. Important effects of this toxic metal are paralyzed wrist (nerve effects) as well as bone disease. The scope of this study is to evaluate the occupational exposure of workers of a battery industry to these pollutants. Methods: In this study the exposure to lead metal was evaluated. Twenty four workers were selected as the exposed group and breathing zone air samples were taken from them. For sampling of particulates, sampling pump model SKC made in UK and cellulose ester membrane filter with 0.8-μm pore size, and 37 mm diameter were used. The whole sampling process and analysis of samples were performed according to the 7300 NIOSH method. The pump flow set to 2 L/min and the filter was fixed to the collar of worker by cassette filter holder. After sampling, the filters transferred to the laboratory and were digested in the mixtures of HNo3 and HCLo4. Then, they analyzed by ICP-AES instrument. Results: The results are analyzed using SPSS18 with T-test and showed that 9 stations of 12 stations have higher results than mean average exposure to lead in this plant (75% of total sample), and the results of ELBACK station were more than others. The T-TEST showed a higher mean average exposure to lead in this plant. (Mean= 0.33mg/m3 S.D =0.48 P Value= 0.008) Conclusion: The findings showed that health status of workers in these industries is at risk due to unauthorized amounts of this toxic metal. To reduce occupational exposure, using appropriate engineering controls (air conditioning), administrative management (eg reducing exposure time) are necessary.