The Relationship Between Serum Lead Level and Neurobehavioral Performance

Abstract

Background: Lead is one of the metals, which has an important role in the industry. Objectives: We designed a study to assess the serum lead level in battery manufacturing workers and its association with neurobehavioral performance. Methods: In this cross-sectional, 154 individuals who worked in a battery factory participated. Venous blood samples were collected for measuring blood lead levels by atomic absorption method. Three selected tests of neuropsychological performance approved by World Health Organization were conducted, including simple reaction time (SRT), Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT), and Santa Ana manual dexterity test. Results: The present study demonstrates a positive correlation between blood lead levels and work experience. The higher blood lead levels and longer work experience were associated with lower scores on the Benton Visual Test. Simple reaction time showed a significant relationship with the work experience. Conclusions:The results of this study suggest that occupational exposure to lead can induce a neurobehavioral dysfunction in battery manufacturing workers. Thus neurobehavioral assessment in health surveillance of exposed workers can be effective in the early detection of cognitive impairment.