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Lead (Pb) exposure compromises heme synthesis by inhibiting ferrochelatase, forming zinc‐protoporphyrin (ZnPP). This study aims to validate a method for the determination of ZnPP by HPLC with fluorescence detection and apply this method to evaluate the extent of Pb exposure of artisanal pottery workers. Extraction procedures were tested using both nonacid and acid liquid–liquid extraction. The former presented a better chromatogram and recovery results. The validated method yielded a good resolution of ZnPP and its free form peaks with acceptable precision and accuracy. Total run time was 15 min and ZnPP peak retention time was 5.6 min. We applied this method to evaluate 39 potters (90% male), mean age 40 years (9–80). The medians (ranges) of blood lead, ZnPP and hemoglobin were 16.0 μg/dl (2.2–71.5), 12.6 μg/dl (4.6–279.8) and 15.1 g/dl (11.0–17.8), respectively. Significant differences were observed for blood lead according to gender, age range (>40 years), direct handling of lead oxide and years of occupation. Significantly higher levels of ZnPP were observed in male potters involved with lead glazing activity. The validated method was shown to be simple with one‐step nonacid extraction, good sensitivity, reproducibility and accuracy. Our data shows that these laborers are dangerously exposed to Pb, reflecting the effect on the heme synthesis.

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