Evaluation of total and differential white blood cell counts in workers exposed to lead

Introduction: Lead is a toxic heavy metal that has adverse health effects on blood parameters. About 80% of lead produced is used in batteries, especially vehicle batteries. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the hematological changes, including total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts in battery workers exposed to lead, and compare with the non-exposed group. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in a battery industry in Semnan city. The study population consisted of 78 battery workers and 78 healthy non-exposed office workers. A hematology cell counter was used to determine the total, and differential WBC counts. Blood lead level was measured in accordance with the NIOSH method 8003. Results: Blood lead levels were about two times higher than the TLV recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) for this compound (20 µg/dl). The level of WBC (8.07± 2.55 mm3 blood×103 vs. 7.27 ± 1.58 mm3 blood×103) was significantly higher, while the level of monocyte was significantly lower (6.96 ± 1.72 % vs. 7.67 ± 1.87 %) in the exposed group than in the non-exposed group. After adjustment for potential confounders such as age and work history, a significant association between exposure to lead and WBC and monocyte levels was reported. Conclusion: The present study's findings indicated that exposure to lead was associated with total and differential white blood cells changes in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group.

Correlation of Lead Exposure on Calcium Metabolism, Vitamin D3 in Battery Manufacturing Workers

Background: Chronic lead exposure from the lead-acid–battery manufacturing process has been linked to a variety of health effects, including dental health, cardiovascular disease risk, Matrix–gamma– carboxy glutamic acid protein (MGP) polymorphism, oxidative stress, immunological, genotoxicity, reproductive, neuropsychological, and pteridine metabolism with neurotransmitters synthesized. Aim of the Work: effects of lead exposure on calcium metabolism in battery workers. Subjects and Methods: The present study will be conducted in Department of Biochemistry, Index Medical College and research center, Indore. A total of 100 lead exposed battery workers and 100 aged (20-60 yr) matched non lead exposed controls. Blood sample was withdrawn from the anticubital vein and centrifuged to obtain serum after that serum was quantitatively analyzed for lead level, calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D3. Result and Conclusion: In lead-exposed battery workers, correlation analysis revealed a strong negative connection between blood lead levels and serum vitamin D levels. Similarly, serum calcium levels were found to be inversely linked with blood lead levels. Keywords: Battery workers, Lead

Assessment of Bone Turnover Biomarkers in Lead-Battery Workers with Long-Term Exposure to Lead

Background: The major portion of lead in the body resides in skeletal system. The bone turnover affects the release of lead into the circulation from bones. The bone turnover biomarkers (BTM) in lead-battery workers with long-term exposure to lead have not been explored yet. Objective: To evaluate the BTM (formation and resorption) in lead-battery workers with long-term exposure to lead in lead-battery manufacturing plant. Methods: 176 male lead-exposed workers and 80 matched comparison group were studied. All participants were examined for blood lead levels (BLLs), bone formation biomarkers—serum osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP)—and bone resorption biomarkers—serum pyridinoline (PYD), deoxypyridinoline (DPYD), tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b), and urinary hydroxyproline (UHYP). Results: We found a significantly higher bone formation biomarkers such as BALP (p=0.007) and bone resorption biomarkers, eg, PYD (p=0.048), TRCAP-5b (p=0.001), and UHYP (p=0.001) in lead-exposed workers. A significant (p=0.041) negative correlation (ρ -0.128) was noted between BLLs and OC. A significant positive correlation was noted between BLLs and TRACP-5b (ρ 0.176, p=0.005) and UHYP (ρ 0.258, p=0.004). Serum OC (p=0.040) and UHYP (p=0.015) levels changed significantly with BLL level. Bone resorption biomarkers levels—PYD, TRACP-5b, and BALP—were higher among those with higher BLLs levels. The duration of exposure was significantly associated with BALP (p=0.037), DPYD (p=0.016), TRACP5b (p=0.001), and UHYP (p=0.002) levels. Conclusion: Long-term lead exposure affects the bone turnover.

Comparative calcium levels in high exposed and low exposed group of lead based battery workers

Introduction: A comparative study of calcium and phosphorus was conducted in high exposed and low exposed groups of lead battery workers to study the effect of lead exposure in these groups as there were very few systematic study reports available in the Indian scenario. Materials and Method: Subjects were selected and classified as Group A àcontrols; Group Bà high risk exposure Group Càlow risk exposure. They were evaluated for their blood lead level (BLL), zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), Hb, Calcium, Phosphorus, Blood pressure, Total Proteins and albumin. Selections of subjects were in accordance to the protocol developed. Results: This study showed that there is statistical significance between high risk and low risk in BLL (p<0.001), ZPP (p<0.001), Hb (p<0.001) and Calcium (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in Phosphorus (p=0.280). Other parameters included Blood pressure, Total protein, albumin and Phosphorus had no significant difference. Conclusions: There was significant difference in BLL, ZPP and calcium between the high risk and low risk group. This difference was mainly due to the absence of precautionary principles, absence of proper disposal methods and lack of knowledge among workers about the ill effects of lead. Thus study reveals the need for self-regulation and a government policy.