Journal of School of Public Health and

Background and Aim: Lead is a toxic metal used in different industries and occupational and environmental exposure to it is quite likely to occur. Because of its high potential toxicity, serious damages to those exposed to it are common. Since the ceramic industry, in which lead is used, is considered a domestic industry in Iran, in this study occupational exposure of glaze workers to lead was assessed in a ceramic industry.

Materials and Methods: A total of 55 glaze workers (39 tillers and 16 potters) were selected as the case group. Association of lead concentration with several variables, including work shift, work type, ventilation system, and the number of extra work hours during the previous month, was determined. A sampling pump (SKC Co.) and ester cellulose filters with a pore size of 0.8 µm, 37 mm in diameter, were used for sampling. The flow-rate was adjusted at 2 l/min based on the NIOSH 7300 method. After sampling, filters were transferred to the laboratory and digested in a mixture of nitric acid and per chlorate solution (4:1) and analyzed by ICP-AES. To minimize probable errors and pollution during sampling and sample handling, samples were also taken from employees in the administration department to serve as control. Spiro metric tests were performed on both the case and the control groups.

Results: The lead concentrations were higher than the threshold limit value (TLV) (0.17 mg/m). Independent t-test showed that there was a significant relation between concentration of the lead present in the breathing zone air and 2 independent variables, including shifts work (morning and afternoon) and the ventilation system among tillers. Also, based on the one-way ANOVA, there was a significant relation between concentration of the lead present in the breathing zone and the number of extra working hours over the shift.

Conclusion: The mean lead concentration in the breathing zone was higher than the respective TLV. Considering the hazardous nature of lead, protective measures─ personal, occupational and environmental─ should be taken. Moreover, clinical examination of job applicants at the time of employment, as well as periodic examinations and Spiro metric tests on the workers, are also strongly recommended.

Background and Aim: Determining the degree of conformity of respirator cartridges with the accepted standards is very important for ensuring their respiratory protection efficiency. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of conformity of organic vapor-respirator cartridges used in different petrochemical companies with the EN 14387:2004 standard.

Materials and Methods: In the first phase of the study, the respirator cartridges used in petrochemical complexes were identified and their specifications obtained from their manufacturers and the relevant technical catalogues. In the second phase, 3 samples of each of the cartridge models were chosen and tested according to the EN 14387:2004 standard. An instrument was especially designed for measuring the breakthrough time of the cartridges. 

Results: The results showed that the minimum and maximum breakthrough times of cartridges were 29 and 142 minutes, respectively. From all the 10 different cartridge models tested, one had a service life of lower than the minimum standard breakthrough time of 70 minutes.

Conclusion: Considering the existence of a non-standard type of cartridge among the samples studied, it is essential to launch a program aiming at ensuring the conformity of cartridge efficiency with the respective standards. Such a program should be developed and implemented by such responsible organizations as the Institute of Standard and Industrial Research of Iran and the Center for Occupational Health and Safety Research and Training of Iran.