SS32-02 OCCUPATIONAL HEAVY METAL POISONING CASES IN MOROCCO

Abstract

Objective The objective of our study was to describe the epidemiological features of occupational heavy metal poisoning cases recorded by the Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Centre of Morocco (CAPM) between 1980 and 2022. Methods We conducted a cross sectional study including occupational heavy metal poisoning cases notified to CAPM between 1980 and 2022. Results We recorded 27,545 cases of poisoning notified to the CAPM (all substances), from which 96 were related to heavy metal poisoning cases (0,34%). From these 96 cases, we recorded 15 cases of occupational poisonings (15%). Among these 15 cases, lead was incriminated in 10 cases and lead with mercury in five cases. Five cases occurred in clandestine lead mines, three cases occurred in a clandestine battery recycling factory, and five cases were associated with silver mining. All the cases were males, and the mean age was 37 years. The mean blood lead level was 539,58µg/L [181-1040] before treatment, and 383,33 [62-616] after treatment (p =0,49); the mean blood mercury level was 239 µg/L [87-430] before treatment, and 38,7 µg/L [13,3-25,4] after treatment (p=0,8). The mean urinary mercury level was 246,33 µg/L. The treatment received was DMSA (2,3-dimercaptosuccinique acid). The DMSA was used in 13 cases (86 %) at a dose of 30mg/kg/day, three times daily during five days. Conclusion Occupational heavy metal poisoning cases in Morocco are a reality. The main substances incriminated were lead followed by mercury. Almost all cases needed chelation. More screening and prevention actions are needed.