POSSIBLE ORAL LEAD INTAKE VIA CONTAMINATED FACIAL SKIN

Thirty-six workers exposed to low or moderate levels of lead at low te mperature refining processes were surveyed to examine the route of lea d intake. Blood lead level (BPb), delta-aminolevulinic acid in urine, lead in facial skin wipes (Face-Pb) and lead in fingernails (Nail-Pb) were measured and their personal hygienic behavior was surveyed by a q uestionnaire. BPb showed a significant correlation with Face-Pb and Na il-Pb (r = 0.730 and r = 0.590, respectively). Multiple regression ana lysis extracted the factors of smoking at the workplace, face-Pb and n ail-Pb as significantly related to BPb level. Electron-microscopic obs ervation revealed that the majority of dust particles collected from w orker's faces were larger than respirable size. Lead ingestion from co ntaminated face skin and fingers may contribute to elevations in the B Pb level among workers. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.