The authors present an account on health damage caused by lead in three small workshops for the repair of car batteries where hygienic regulations were not respected. A total of 19 men were examined, incl. three where increased exposure to lead was found, in seven lead intoxica- tion was diagnosed. Among the subjective complaints of the intoxicated subjects abdominal colic dominated and in all anaemia was diagnosed. In one patient toxic hepatitis was found. F ive of the affected subjects suffered from mild peripheral neuropathy confirmed by electromyographic examination.

        Key words: lead intoxication - occupational diseases.