Introduction: Glass production workers are exposed to several workplace factors that may affect their health.
Lead encountered in the manufacture of crystal glass is known to cause harmful effects. It is necessary to
highlight the health effects of lead among Egyptian crystal glass workers. Aim of work: The aim of the study
was to identify some health disorders in relation to blood lead level (BLL) among Egyptian workers exposed
to lead in a lead crystal glass factory and find the association between (BLL) and psychological morbidities
and biochemical parameters. Materials and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out
in the occupational health clinic at Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. It included 50 workers from a
lead crystal glass manufacturing plant (exposed group) and 50 non-exposed workers. Data collected included
personal data, occupational and medical histories, clinical examination and body mass index (BMI). Blood lead
level (BLL), serum calcium, serum uric acid, red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin, serum creatinine, and
blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured for both groups. A general health questionnaire was used to assess
psychological morbidities. Results: Exposed workers and controls were matched for gender and age. Exposed
workers had significantly more gastro-intestinal, neurological, heat-related, ear and nose symptoms. Regarding
biochemical parameters, BLL, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly higher among exposed workers,
while serum creatinine was higher among non-exposed workers. Psychological distress was statistically
significantly more prevalent among exposed workers and the difference was statistically significant. Among
the exposed workers, only 60%, 56%, 56% and 26% used gloves, masks, uniform and boots, respectively.
Conclusion: Elevated BLL is associated with higher BUN and psychological morbidity among exposed
workers.