Volume 3, Issue 3 (Autumn 2010)                   IJT 2010, 3(3): 317-323 | Back to browse issues page

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1- PhD, Associate Professor of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2- PhD, Assistant Professor of Occupational Health Department, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran , pourabdian@hlth.mui.ac.ir
3- General Physician, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract:   (16937 Views)
Background:Purpose of present study was to investigate whether chronic exposure to zinc fume would affect serum zinc levels, memory, and cognition in zinc fume-exposed workers.
Methods:In a cross-sectional study, all zinc fume-exposed workers (exposed, n=20) were compared with unexposed workers (reference, n=20) matched for sex and education level in a zinc galvanization factory. The workers were undergone Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Mean WMS score in exposed group (75.80 ± 14.40) was significantly lower than reference group (91.65 ± 15.79) however there was no significant difference in MMSE scores between two groups. There was a negative linear relationship between memory, MMSE scores, and serum zinc level. Exposure to zinc fume may lead to memory problems. Conclusion:Regular measurement of serum zinc level is recommended for exposed individuals.
Keywords: Zinc, Memory, Cognition
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Type of Study: Research | Subject: General

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