Review : Occupational Lead Exposure

During the last 20 years a number of studies have been carried out to investi gate the neurobehavioural effects of occupational exposure to lead. These studies suggest that subtle effects on intellectual functioning may occur at exposure levels below those currently considered in many countries to be suffi cient to protect workers from harm. This paper critically reviews the evidence from these studies and considers the case for reviewing the position on stan dards for exposure to lead in the workplace.

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