Abstract
In the early twentieth century adverse effects of lead (Pb) on reproduction in, and offspring of, female lead workers were repeatedly reported. Cantarow and Trumper (1944) reviewed the evidence: disturbed menstruation, infertility, abortion, stillbirth, premature delivery, poor postnatal development, and increased infant mortality. The historical data, however, do not allow the establishment of reliable exposure (dose)-effect/response relationships; heavy workloads, poor hygiene, malnutrition, and poverty certainly also played a role. Moreover, no data on lead levels in blood (PbB) or on present-day effect parameters are available.
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Zielhuis, R.L., Stijkel, A., Verberk, M.M., van de Poel-Bot, M. (1984). Inorganic Lead. In: Health Risks to Female Workers in Occupational Exposure to Chemical Agents. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health Supplement. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69850-7_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69850-7_9
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