Abstract Blood lead concentrations were determined at intervals between 1975 and 1980 from two groups of industrial workers, a group of highway repairmen, and workers from a lead-using electrical manufacturing plant in suburban Tokyo. The average blood lead content of the highway repairmen ranged from 9.6 ± 3.2 to 11.5 ± 4.7 μg/100 mol. The blood lead content of every factory worker employed as such for over 5 years was at least twice that of the highway repair crew members. Among the factory workers, variations in blood lead levels were greater between the workers in any given sampling period than those of an individual worker over the 5-year study period. The high, steady blood levels in the factory workers were attained within 6 months of employment.

Industrial workers in suburban Tokyo have higher blood lead levels than highway repairmen, with steady levels achieved within 6 months of employment.

Blood lead level and lead exposure of industrial workers in suburban Tokyo.

Key Takeaway: Industrial workers in suburban Tokyo have higher blood lead levels than highway repairmen, with steady levels achieved within 6 months of employment.