Occupational lead and cadmium exposure are important
health issues in developing countries. This
study aimed to detect toxic metal contents in raw
materials used to make tiles and to assess exposure
health impacts on workers. The study sample consisted
of 74 tile workers, having a mean age of 35.2
years, in the Industrial City of Arab El Awamer, Assiut
(Egypt). Elemental analysis of the raw materials
was performed by using scanning electron microscopy.
The data collection questionnaire was divided
into two parts; the first included demographic data,
symptoms attributed to toxic elements and possible
sources of exposure to metals. The second part was
designated to assess heavy metal exposure health
impacts through clinical examination and biological