著者

Chamnong Thanapop Alan F. Geater Mark G. Robson Pitchaya Phakthongsuk Duangkamol Viroonudomphol

出版者

Japan Society for Occupational Health

雑誌

Journal of Occupational Health (ISSN:13419145)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.49, no.5, pp.345-352, 2007 (Released:2007-10-18)

参考文献数

26

被引用文献数

16

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Lead oxide is used extensively in the construction and repair of wooden boats in Thailand, but the behaviors of boatyard workers that could place them at risk of contamination have not previously been documented. Baseline data on practices and behaviors of boatyard workers and on the level of worker and workplace contamination with lead were therefore collected. Fifty workers in two boatyards participated in this study. Lead exposure of workers was assessed by determining airborne and blood lead levels. A questionnaire was administered to collect information on work history, suspected exogenous lead sources, personal behavior and knowledge about lead. Evidence obtained by the study indicated that safety behavior and personal hygiene were poor-workers used no mask, gloves or hood, wore open sandals, smoked, drank, chewed and ate during work and did not wash their hands before drinking or eating. Some workers had lunch in the working area. The mean personal airborne lead of caulkers (36.4 μg/m3) was higher than that of carpenters (8.3 μg/m3). Forty-eight percent of all workers and 67% of caulkers had a blood lead level (BLL) exceeding 40 μg/dl. Multiple linear regression indicated that blood lead levels of workers were significantly related to job and education level, with significant differences between boatyards. In addition, the potential for "take-home" contamination was high; none of the workers took a shower or changed their clothes prior to going home. These results indicate a problem of lead exposure of sufficient magnitude to be a public health concern.