Evaluation of delta-aminolevulinic acid levels in the urine of Angooran Lead & Zinc Company staff |
| |
| Authors: | Kalantari Soltanieh Sadraddin Saadati Karim Kalantari Soltanieh Sina Heydarpour Pouria |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Biochemistry , Zanjan University of Medical Sciences , Zanjan, Iran;2. Department of Surgery , Zanjan University of Medical Sciences , Zanjan, Iran;3. Medical Faculty, Tehran University of Medical Science , Tehran, Iran |
| |
| Abstract: | Currently, attention has shifted to chronic or subclinical disorders attributed to lead (Pb) exposure. The aim of this study was to determine delta-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA) levels in urine of Angooran Lead &; Zinc Company workers. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 170 workers, in which 24 h urinary samples were collected and δ-ALA levels were measured spectrophotometrically. Questionnaire forms were completed indicating age, location, and duration of work. The mean δ-ALA level in urine was 5.44 mg L?1. δ-ALA levels were correlated with age, location, and duration of work in the company. The mean δ-ALA level in the urine of workers was in the upper limit of normal ranges. δ-ALA level in urine may not be the best discriminating factor of Pb exposure from the baseline to the high levels, but is recommended as a regular and routine test for all Pb-exposed workers in addition to the measurement of Pb in blood for subjects with higher δ-ALA levels. |
| |
| Keywords: | delta-aminolevulinic acid level lead zinc |
|
|
