Reliability of a decision-tree model in predicting occupational lead poisoning in a group of highly exposed workers

Objective This study aimed to provide the toxicological profile of some lead-exposed workers and obtain a predictive model for lead poisoning. Methods Data regarding external and absorbed exposure were collected from 585 subjects employed in ten metallurgical production departments. Airborne lead concentration, blood lead level (BLL), cumulative blood lead index (CBLI), urine delta-aminolevulinic acid (DALA), age, workplace/section, exposure period, and whether reported lead poisoning as occupational disease were examined using ANOVA, and, post-ANOVA, Pearson correlation matrix, PCA (principal component analysis), decision-tree modeling, and logistic modeling. Results BLL was less sensitive…