Occupational exposure to lead and cadmium among healthcare workers
Abstract
In order to contribute to the prevention of the potentially serious consequences of chronic exposure to lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), the current status of occupational exposure to these metals among a group of workers of a Public Hospital of the Metropolitan Area of Santiago is described.
Biochemical parameters related to the exposure to Pb and Cd were measured at the time of problem detection and two years after the implementation of preventive measures.
The present is a study involving a unique historic cohort, using secondary information. Initial findings were average blood levels of lead and ZPP and cadmium in urine within the normal range; after the preventive intervention a significant variation in these parameters was observed, thus indicating the effectiveness of the intervention. Functional testings of the organs potentially affected by the exposure did not show alterations or significant variations between pre and postpreventive intervention analysis. The present work demonstrates that that lead and cadmium intoxications are a current problem within the Chilean healthcare occupational environment and that preventive measures implemented to protect workers are effective, especially if the problem is detected early, before chronic intoxication-derived consequences are observed.
