[Selected biomarkers for evaluating occupational exposure to lead among workers from the "Miasteczko Slaskie" zincworks in Tarnowskie Gory].

A dose-response relationship between exposure to lead and delta-aminolaevulinic acid concentration in urine (ALA-U), and between blood lead (Pb-B) and zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZPP-B) concentrations in blood were examined in 90 male workers exposed to lead. Concentrations of ZPP-B correlated closely with blood lead levels. Concentrations of ALA-U ranged from 1.6 to 19.4 mg/l. These data suggest that ALA-U is a useful indicator of early effects of exposure to lead on heam biosynthesis. Lead concentrations in air at different work posts were analysed. The results obtained were compared with the levels of standard values of lead concentrations in air and with blood lead levels at those work posts.