Peripheral neuropathy in chronic occupational inorganic lead exposure: a clinical and electrophysiological study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Traditionally the neuromuscular disorder associated with lead poisoning has been purely motor. This study assessed peripheral nerve function clinically and electrophysiologically in 46 patients with neuropathic features out of a total population of 151 workers with raised blood and/or urinary lead concentrations. RESULTS Average duration of occupational exposure for the neuropathic group ranged from 8–47 years (mean 21.7). Their mean blood lead concentration (SD) was 63.9 (18.3) μg/dl (normal