Biological Responses of 155mm Howitzer Crewmen to Airborne Lead.
Abstract
Lead health effects are largely unknown for short-duration, high-concentration exposures resulting from weapon firings. Cumulative air lead exposure proved to have a significant statistical relationship with the change in blood lead over the period of the study. Small, but statistically significant changes occurred in both hematocrit and Free Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin (PEP). All but four study subject exceeded mean 24-hr exposures for airborne lead (PbA) using the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 16.7 micrograms/cu m. Significant PbA exposures were reliably associated with the firing of high-zone M119 and M203 charges but not low-zone charges. Baseline blood lead concentrations (PbB) were quite low for all groups, despite evidence for recent prior exposures Blood lead increases did not exceed the OSHA Action Level of 40 micrograms/dL although twelve individuals had blood lead levels in excess of 30 micrograms/dL. Statistically significant correlations could be found between maximum (peak) blood lead levels and mean 8-hr time-weighed airborne average (TWA). Large NCV decreases of 8.0 and 11.6 m/sec were found in the ulnar sensory nerve for two of the M109A3 crewmen. Statistically significant NCV decreases were found for the peroneal motor nerve during the period following exposure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 21, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA292457
Entities
People
- David A. Smart
- David L. Parmer
- Florence Hoffmann
- John Y. Young
- Roland E. Langford
Organizations
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research