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KMID : 1041720140260010038
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Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
2014 Volume.26 No. 1 p.38 ~ p.38
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High lead exposure in two leaded bronze ingot foundry workers
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Song Yoo-Jun
Suh Chun-Hui
Kim Shin-Ae
Kim Na-Mi
Kim Sung-Min
Jeong Seong-Wook
Kim Se-Yeong
Kim Kun-Hyung
Kim Jeong-Ho
Son Byung-Chul
Lee Chae-Kwan
Lee Jong-Tae
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Abstract
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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 μg/dL and 51.7 μg/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.
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KEYWORD
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Foundry, Lead exposure, Leaded bronze ingot
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