Assessment of Thyroid Function and Oxidative Stress State in Foundry Workers Exposed to Lead

Exposure to lead (Pb) has been associated with endocrine, hematological, gastrointestinal, renal and neurological problems in humans. However, effects on the thyroid gland are controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess thyroid function in foundry workers occupationally exposed to Pb and the mechanism of oxidative-antioxidant imbalance. Thyroid function parameters and markers of oxidative stress were examined in 59 adult males who had been occupationally exposed to Pb. The results were then compared to those of 28 male subjects who had no history of Pb exposure or thyroid abnormalities and served as a control group. Mean blood lead levels (16.5±1.74 μg/dl) were significantly higher among the exposed workers compared to those of the control group (12.8±1.16 μg/dl, (p