Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic in a Lead-Acid Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Plant in Algeria

Abstract

Introduction: Plants manufacturing and recycling lead-acid batteries emit this metal and other metal and metalloid particles into the air, which can be transported and deposited on various surfaces, exposing workers and even nearby populations. Occupational metal contamination is a cause for concern because of their potential accumulation in the environment and in living organisms, leading to long-term toxic effects. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess Cd, As and Pb levels in the whole blood of 170 people working in a lead battery manufacturing and recycling plant in eastern Algeria, and in that of 50 non-occupationally exposed controls. Results: Metal compound levels were determined using ICP-MS. Lead was the most prominent element in the workers’ blood (521.24 µg/L) compared to the controls (23.08 µg/L), confirming that lead exposure is significantly higher compared to other elements. The average and median concentrations of Cd and As in the blood did not exceed the biological exposure indices for both populations. Cadmium levels were significantly higher in the blood of exposed workers compared to the controls. However, there was no significant correlation between blood lead levels and cadmium levels in exposed subjects. For arsenic, although the mean and median values were within the normal range, the maximum and 95th percentile exceeded the normal value. There was also no significant correlation between lead and arsenic concentrations in the blood of workers. The results of this study highlight the alarming working conditions that the employees of this factory face. Conclusion: These conditions lead to significant lead exposure and potentially to other elements such as Cd and As.