Delta-aminolevulinic desidratase acid activity in the urban population ofthe municipality of Londrina, Paraná

Abstract

The contamination of soil, water, air and food by heavy metaIs, due to industrial processes, has affected not only workers but also the population in general. The determination of the activity of the 0aminolevulinic dehydratase acid (ALA-O) is the most sensitive biological indicator of the subcritic effect to lead. The purpose of this study was to assess the activity ofALA-D in a sample of an urban population in the Municipality of Londrina, Paraná. The population under study comprehended 87 subjects (52 women and 35 men), selected from na original sample of 120 volunteers and according to criteria of exclusion previously determined. The criteria excluded those individuaIs who are occupationa//y exposed to lead, with altered clinicai and laboratory examinatios. obese. with hypertension, diabetes and smoking habits, and who lived close to areas where the metal is used. The reference values obtained for ALA-D activity were 21,33-59.90 U/L with no significant differences between the values for female and male populations. These results were similar to those reported in other studies, which also used populational samples and the same analytical methodology. The standardization for the use ofbio-indicators for monitoring populations exposed to environmental pol/utants is one ofthe most use fui measures for the early diagnosis and prevention of intoxication by lead in urban areas.