Open AccessEvaluation of Blood Lead Levels and Their Effects on Hematological Parameters and Renal Function in Iranian Lead Mine Workers
Author(s) -
Razzagh Rahimpoor,
Maryam Tajik Rostami,
Mohammad Javad Assari,
Ahmad Mirzaei,
Mohammad Reza Zare
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
health scope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2251-9513
pISSN - 2251-8959
DOI - 10.5812/jhealthscope.95917
Subject(s) - zinc protoporphyrin , medicine , creatinine , hematocrit , renal function , physiology , toxicity , lead poisoning , lead exposure , blood lead level , lead (geology) , occupational exposure , urinary system , toxicology , environmental health , chemistry , cats , heme , biochemistry , geomorphology , psychiatry , biology , enzyme , geology
Background: Lead toxicity has become a growing health concern in countries such as Iran. However, little information is available on the assessment and evaluation of the health effects of lead exposure in mine workers. Objectives: The present study assessed the occupational exposure to lead and examine the association of blood lead (PbB) levels with hematological and kidney function parameters in mine workers. Methods: In this matched case-control study, the level of PbB was measured in 100 workers (70 exposed and 30 non-exposed), and then its relationship was evaluated with complete blood count (CBC) parameters, zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), urea, blood creatinine levels, urinary δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), coproporphyrin, and creatinine levels. Results: The results showed a linear and significant relationship between the PbB level and B-ZPP, U-ALA, U-coproporphyrin, and U-creatinine levels in states of PbB levels > 20 μg/dL in a time and dose-dependent manner. A significant relationship was observed between the PbB level and the years of occupational exposure to lead and the B-urea level (P-value < 0.03). Conclusions: Chronic occupational exposure to lead decreased hematocrit, RDW-CV, MCV, MCH, and HGB values but did not significantly change RBC counts. Therefore, a regular assessment of routine blood parameters (such as CBC and ZPP) and renal function indices can be effectively used to monitor the toxic effects of lead exposure.