Lead and essential trace element levels in acid battery manufacturing and agriculture workers: a cross sectional study

Lead (Pb) has plethora of industrial applications, and has known to for its deleterious effects on various organs. In the current study, we aimed to assess the occupational Pb exposure and relationship with serum creatinine, cholesterol & preexisting nutritional status, among ‘acid-battery industry’ (Group-A, n=110), and ‘agriculture’ (Group-B, n=50) workers. Blood Lead Levels (BLL), trace elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg & Ca), serum creatinine and cholesterol levels were assessed. The BLL in group-A were significantly (p<0.01) higher than group-B participants with mean BLL being 94.0±40.47 and 11.2±7.85 μg/dL respectively. Serum creatinine and cholesterol levels were significantly higher in group-A subjects than group-B. Further, elevated BLL of group-A have correlated positively (p<0.01) with serum creatinine (r = 0.333) and inversely with serum albumin (r =-0.240), Fe (r =-0.453), Cu (r =-0.303) & Ca (r =-0.193; p<0.05). The participants from group-A were referred to ‘Chelation therapy (BLL > 80μg/dL)’ and temporarily shifted to ‘no-Pb exposure’ work. The results suggest that group-A had elevated BLL due to persistence exposure to Pb at work place. Further, nutritional and trace element status might have limited effect on elevated BLL in ‘chronic high level exposure’. Regular BLL screening and preventive measures are mandatory to reduce the risks associated with work place Pb exposure.