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

Abstract

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.