[Evaluation of iron metabolism in workers exposed to led compounds in a tile glaze factory 1981-1982].

The investigations have been aimed at an estimation of the iron balance in lead-exposed workers. The investigations were carried out in a group of 20 men producing lead glazes and a control group of 23 Medical Academy students. Lead concentration was found to be remarkably higher in the exposed group, as compared to the controls. In the control group 26% of subjects exhibited lead concentration within 40.5 micrograms/dm3. The obtained results of D-aminolevulinic acid concentrations in the exposed patients' urine did not differ from the controls. Toxic effects of lead on haem synthesis resulted in significantly higher concentration of iron and transferin saturation percent as compared to controls. The excessive concentration of lead found in the urine of 26% of students points to non-professional exposure.