Mean Lead Level Research Articles

Assessment of lead contamination in soil and tap water in daycare facilities in Addis Ababa: implications for children's health

ABSTRACT In recent years, lead poisoning has been recognized as a serious environmental health problem throughout the world, particularly, for children in developing countries. The objective of the study was to investigate the lead level in the water and soil of daycare facilities in Addis Ababa. Graphite furnaces atomic absorption spectrometry was used to analyze the concentration of lead in soil and tap water of 28 daycare centers. The result indicated that the mean levels of lead in soil and water were 0.00237 mg/g and 8.26 μg/L, respectively, which are below the permissible values of 0.1 mg/g and 10 μg/L according to WHO standards. The blood lead levels and exposure to lead in children were calculated using the integrated exposure uptake biokinetic model as per United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines. The mean blood lead level was 1.78 μg/dL, and the model also predicted that 6.497% of the children in the city may have blood lead levels above the Center for Disease Control recommended reference value of 3.5 μg/dL. Even if the values were below the reference, there is no safe blood lead level since even a small amount can have adverse effects on children.

Blood Lead Levels in the Population Living in Algeria: A Cross-Sectional National Study.

Lead poisoning, is currently recognized as a real public health problem, The WHO classifies lead as one of 10 chemicals of serious public health concern. In Algeria and North Africa, to date, no study on the evaluation of lead impregnation has been carried out at the national level. The main objective of this work is to assess the exposure of the general Algerian population to lead. A cross-sectional study was carried out over the entire Algerian national territory, on a population aged between 3 and 74years old. The survey lasted three years, A questionnaire, a clinical examination and a blood sample were carried out for each individual. Generalized linear regression models were used to determine the factors influencing lead levels measured in blood samples. The study population, spread over 39 wilayas and 121 districts, consists of 3674 individuals. The mean lead levels were 28.27μg/L, the median was 22.22μg/L, and the 95th percentile was 73.83μg/L, Blood lead levels were influenced differently by age, gender, wilaya of residence, dietary habits such as consumption of canned food and the way in which water is conserved for daily consumption. The use of kohl has been confirmed as a potential source of lead exposure. In Algeria, a blood lead value of 75µg/L serves as the Reference Exposure Value, guiding public health responses and risk management strategies, Recommendations have been issued to reduce the blood lead levels of the general population in Algeria in terms of limitation of lead in the sources of exposure, installation of an effective health monitoring system.

Blood and Urinary Metal Levels among Exclusive Marijuana Users in NHANES (2005-2018).

Marijuana is the third most used drug in the world. Because the cannabis plant is a known scavenger of metals, we hypothesized that individuals who use marijuana will have higher metal biomarker levels compared with those who do not use. We combined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2018) for participants, classified by use: non-marijuana/non-tobacco, exclusive marijuana, exclusive tobacco, and dual marijuana and tobacco use. Five metals were measured in blood and 16 in urine using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; urinary metals were adjusted for urinary creatinine. Participants reporting exclusive marijuana use compared with non-marijuana/non-tobacco use had statistically significantly higher mean cadmium levels in blood [ (95% CI: 1.11, 1.34); ] and urine [ (95% CI: 1.0, 1.31); ] and statistically significantly higher mean lead levels in blood [ (95% CI: 1.07, 1.50); ] and urine [ (95% CI: , 1.50); ]. Our results suggest marijuana is a source of cadmium and lead exposure. Research regarding cannabis use and cannabis contaminants, particularly metals, should be conducted to address public health concerns related to the growing number of cannabis users. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12074.

Assessment of the Pulmonary concentration of Lead and Cadmium in patients with Lung Cancer in Najaf".

One of the most dangerous malignancies is lung cancer. Better treatment is made possible by the early detection of this illness. This study's objective was to measure the serum levels of lead and cadmium (heavy metals) in healthy individuals (H.G.) of both sexes and compare those levels to those in individuals with non-healthy lung cancer (L.C.). 101 blood serum samples were gathered from the Middle Euphrates Cancer Center in the Iraqi province of Najaf, consisting of 54 males and 47 females. Using an FAAS, the levels of serum cadmium and lead were examined (flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer). The respective mean serum levels of lead and cadmium were 3.73538±0.067131μg/L and 8.92525± 0.02314μg/L for health men, 9.34477 ± 0.04122 μg/L and 6.08752±0.05112 μg/L for lung cancer men while 6.63905± 0.030212 μg/L and 20.94029± 0.2910 μg/L for health female, 8.75170±0.23401 μg/L and 12.93259± 0.6032 for lung cancer female , it is generally higher than the permissible limits ,which consequently increases the health risk of the exposed individuals.

Determination of Lead in Deciduous Teeth Using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

This study's goal was to determine the amounts of lead in schoolchildren's deciduous teeth from Turkey's Erzurum, Tuncbilek, Yatagan, and Didim. 50 girls and 54 boys aged 7 to 11 had their 104 deciduous teeth collected. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to measure the lead amounts. Limits for detection and quantification have also been estimated, along with the method's linearity, precision, and accuracy. A linear response was seen for lead concentrations ranging from 10 to 1000 ng/mL. Repeatability of the method gave Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) of ≤ 3.87 %. Tuncbilek and Yatagan are suburban areas that have thermo electrical centrals. The mean levels of lead in Tuncbilek and Yatagan were found as 12.44 ± 4.53 μg/g and 8.48 ± 3.53 μg/g, respectively. Erzurum is an urban area by heavy traffic and air pollution and the mean level of lead in this area was found as 7.49 ± 2.71 μg/g. Didim is a suburban area. The mean level of lead was found as 9.49 ± 3.54 μg/g.

Evaluation the Effect of Serum Lead Levels on Thyroid Function in Battery Industry Workers.

To assess the relationships between blood lead levels and thyroid functional tests in battery industry workers. This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 personnel of a battery factory in 2019. The checklist including demographic information of employees (age, sex, work experience, smoking, etc.) of the work shift, work environment, and duration of work was completed. Venous blood samples were also taken from the participants to check blood levels of lead and thyroid hormones. The mean age of participants was 36.1 ± 5.6 years and their mean TSH and lead levels were 3.69 ± 2.45 mIU/L and 297.9 ± 174.2 μg/L, respectively. Participants were divided into two groups based on job duties: administrative and working in the production line. Participants were divided into two groups based on blood lead levels: normal (less than 300 μg/L) and high lead level (more than 300 μg/L). Only the work experience between these two groups was significantly different and was higher in the high lead group compared to the normal lead group and no significant difference was observed between different groups based on lead level in terms of TSH level and thyroid hormones. Our study showed that although the amount of whole blood lead concentration is not related to thyroid hormone levels and thyroid function, but with increasing work experience, the amount of whole blood lead also increases significantly and since lead poisoning can have many health hazards, employers must plan to minimize the lead exposure of workers and provide protective equipment for workers.

Biomarkers of lead in occupationally exposed persons in Gurara and Suleja areas, Niger State, Nigeria

Human exposure to lead could pose serious health challenges, especially among occupationally-exposed workers. Though several toxicological studies have been carried out on toxic lead exposure in humans regarding their levels, reactions and disease conditions; dearth data exists in terms of correlation of lead levels with their exposure markers and subsequent manifested disease conditions. This study therefore aims to investigate the association between lead exposure and specific biomarkers used in monitoring lead levels in some occupationally exposed individuals and comparing the values with non-exposed individuals. A total of 116 subjects (72 occupationally exposed and 44 non-exposed subjects) within the age range of 17– 50 years were studied in a cross-sectional study conducted between August 2021 and November 2021 in Gurara and Suleja areas, in Niger state, Nigeria. Blood lead levels, hepato-renal indices and hematological parameters were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and abacus 380 analyzer, respectively. The mean blood levels of lead were 26.8±5.4 μg/dL in occupationally-exposed subjects, while in non-exposed subject’s 3.7±2.1 μg/dL. The results showed that occupational exposure increases the blood level of lead, implicating hematological variables and elevating specific hepato-renal indices which consequently increase the health risk of occupationally exposed individuals. Therefore, taking note of other body burdens, the synergistic adoption of these indicative biomarker tests could be used to give an implicative assessment on lead exposure and toxicity.

Biomonitoring of exposure of Algerian population to lead

Lead poisoning, is currently recognized as a real public health problem. The WHO classifies lead as one of 10 chemicals of serious public health concern. The assessment and management of health risks and public health interventions are largely based on a detailed knowledge of exposure of the general population. Biomonitoring has become an essential tool in environmental health. In Algeria, to date, no study on the evaluation of lead impregnation has been carried out at the national level. The main objective of this work is to assess the exposure of the general Algerian population to lead This is a cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim, carried out over the entire Algerian national territory, on a population aged between 3 and 74 years old. It was carried out on a representative sample of households. The survey lasted three years. A questionnaire, a clinical examination and a blood sample were carried out for each individual. Analytical methods for the determination of lead in whole blood by ICP-MS were optimized and validated. Generalized linear regression models were used to determine the factors influencing lead levels measured in blood samples. The study population, spread over 39 wilayas and 121 districts, consists of 3674 individuals. The mean lead levels were 28.27 μg/L [27.38–29.17], the median was 22.22 μg/L, and the 95th percentile was 73.83 μg/L. The prevalence of elevated blood lead levels (≥100 μg/L) in the study population was 2.2%. A blood lead value of 75 μg/L was proposed as the Reference Exposure Value (REL) for Algeria. Blood lead levels were influenced by age, gender, wilaya of residence, dietary habits such as consumption of canned food and the way in which water is conserved for daily consumption. The use of kohl has been confirmed as a potential source of lead exposure especially among women. Recommendations have been issued to reduce the blood lead levels of the general population in Algeria in terms of limitation of lead in the sources of exposure, installation of an effective health monitoring system and also an adequate management of lead poisoning.

Effect of serum lead on salivary visfatin levels in periodontitis patients using smoke or smokeless form of tobacco

To evaluate effect of serum lead on salivary visfatin levels in periodontitis patients using smoke and smokeless form of tobacco. A total of 60 male patients with generalized periodontitis stage II grade B and Grade C were selected for the study. Patients aged 30–65 years were assigned into two groups (30 subjects – Smoking tobacco group, 30 subjects – Smokeless tobacco group). Saliva samples were collected for analyses of visfatin and blood samples were collected for serum lead level analysis. Quantitative variables were compared using mean values and qualitative variables using proportions. There was statistically significant difference with (p value =0.025) mean increase in Probing pocket depth scores and (p value =0.017) in mean increase in Clinical attachment loss scores among Smokeless form of tobacco users. Mean serum Lead level was significantly high among smoke form (0.0107 + 0.007). Mean salivary visfatin level was significantly high among smoke form group (2.588±1.64). A significant correlation was found between serum Lead and Visfatin among smokeless form of tobacco users. Mean serum lead and salivary visfatin levels were statistically highly significant among the smoke form of tobacco group.

SERUM LEAD LEVELS IN FEMALE AGRICULTURAL FARM-WORKERS FROM BAHAWALPUR, PAKISTAN

Background: Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal present in our environment in soil, drinking water, air, petroleum products, insecticides and pesticides, and is excreted in body secretions like breast milk, saliva, semen, and sweat. We studied serum lead levels in lactating female farm workers of Bahawalpur who are exposed to various chemicals that contain lead arsenate. Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore after approval from the Ethical Review Committee. After informed consent, blood samples of 2.5 ml each from a total of 91 lactating mothers were collected. Serum lead levels were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrophotometry (ICP). Results: High lead levels were detected in 90 out of 91 (98.90%) women. Mean serum lead levels were 61.05±29.59 µg/L. Conclusion: The serum lead level was considerably higher than the WHO allowable level in our study population. Pak J Physiol 2022;18(1):36?8

Evaluation of Zinc, Copper, and Lead Levels in The Blood of Breast Cancer Women in Baghdad City

The current study was conducted on 100 females who were divided into two main groups; 60 with breast cancer and 40 healthy controls. Blood samples were collected from both premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer and healthy women. The samples were appropriately processed for the analysis of trace elements (zinc, copper, and lead) by using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). The results showed a highly significant decrease (p< 0.01) in the mean serum level of zinc of in both pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer women (71.7 + 5.1 and 70.4 + 5.4 µg/dL, respectively) compared with healthy controls (89.7 + 10.2 and 97.5 + 13.2 µg/dL, respectively) . Also, a highly significant elevation (p< 0.01) in the mean serum level of copper (157.2 + 13.9 µg/dL and 157.4 +11.9 µg/dL, respectively) was found in pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer women as compared to healthy controls (122.2 + 15.5 µg/dL and 112.2 + 15.8 µg/dL, respectively). Furthermore, a highly significant elevation (p< 0.01) in the mean blood level of lead (20.7 + 2.5 µg/dL and 19.9 + 1.7 µg/dL, respectively) was found in pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer women compared to healthy controls (15.1 + 2.0 µg/dL and 14.6 + 2.3 µg/dL, respectively). It is concluded that the disturbance in the homeostasis of some trace elements (zinc, copper, and lead) may lead to the development and even progression of breast cancer in both pre- and postmenopausal women.

Determination of Blood Calcium and Lead Concentrations in Osteoporotic and Osteopenic Patients in Pakistan.

Osteoporosis is the leading cause of deformity and bones fracture all over the world and has some relationship with the blood concentrations of calcium and lead. Therefore, in the current study, the blood samples of 58 control and 56 clinically diagnosed osteoporotic and osteopenic patients were taken from different hospitals in Pakistan and analyzed for calcium and lead concentrations using atomic absorption spectrometry. In female control samples, the mean calcium value was found to be 98.53 ± 4.81 μg/mL, and in male control samples, the mean blood calcium level was found to be 121.33 ± 7.27 μg/mL. In female control samples, the mean lead value was found to be 0.133 ± 0.005 μg/mL, and in male control samples, the mean lead level was found to be 0.183 ± 0.008 μg/mL. All the male and female control samples showed a mean value of calcium of 115.63 ± 5.2 μg/mL and a mean value of lead of 0.153 ± 0.007 μg/mL. In osteoporotic female patients, the decline in the mean calcium value was found to be 34.93 ± 1.9 μg/mL, and in male patients, the decrease in the mean calcium level was found to be 47.73 ± 2.5 μg/mL. The increase in the mean value of lead in osteoporotic females was 4.13 ± 0.22 μg/mL, whereas in male patients, the increase in the mean lead value was 0.95 ± 0.07 μg/mL. All the male and female patients showed a decrease in the mean value of calcium of 41.43 ± 2.2 μg/mL and an increase in the mean value of Pb of 3.63 ± 0.16 μg/mL.

Comparison of Serum Lead and Cadmium Levels in Parkinson's Patients and Healthy Controls

Background: Several studies have investigated the association of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the relationship between the serum levels of lead and cadmium in Parkinson's disease. Methods: In this case-control study, the serum levels of lead and cadmium in 100 patients with Parkinson's disease referred to our university hospital, and 30 healthy individuals were investigated. Basic information such as age and gender and other demographic and clinical data were registered in the checklist. The levels of lead and cadmium were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Data was analyzed by SPSS software version 23, and a P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The mean cadmium level in patient and control groups was 14.91 ± 8.72 and 4.71 ± 2.72 ppb, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean lead level was 158.35 ± 157.64 and 35.35 ± 16.25 ppb in patients and controls, respectively (P < 0.001). At ages above 65 years, there was a significant difference between the level of cadmium (P < 0.001) and lead (P < 0.001) in patients and healthy subjects. In addition, there was a significant difference in the level of cadmium (P = 0.003) between patients and healthy subjects at ages below 65 years. This was true for both males (P < 0.05) and females (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the level of lead and cadmium in various severity rates of the disease, as well as in different symptoms of the patients. Conclusions: Based on the findings, the levels of serum lead and cadmium were higher in the patients, indicating a probable relationship between the Parkinson's disease and the levels of these metals.

Lead Levels in Tissues of Local Scavenger Chickens in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Mineral mining activities with environmental pollution in Nigeria resulted in lead intoxication in humans and livestock. The likelihood of lead contamination of the environment from non-mining sources may exist in Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria. The study was carried out to evaluate the bioaccumulation of lead in extensively reared local scavenger chickens-LSC (Gallus gallusdomesticus) in Maiduguri. Two hundred samples each of the liver, kidney, intestine, muscle and blood were tested for lead using standard methods in toxicologic evaluation. There were significant (p<0.05) variations in lead levels in the kidney, liver, muscle, intestine and blood of local scavenger chickens. The highest mean lead level (17.0±12.0µg/kg) was observed in the liver, and the lowest leadlevel (4.0±7.0µg/kg) was in the blood. No significant (p>0.05) sex differences existed in the frequency of lead detection. Mean lead level in the liver of males was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of females with the highest and lowest mean lead levels occurring in the liver and kidney of male chickens, respectively. The highest lead level detected was 414 µg/kg; in the kidney of a female LSC. It was therefore concluded that environmental pollution with lead may be detected in LSCthat bioaccumulate lead; with the liver having the highest affinity.

Prenatal blood levels of some toxic metals and the risk of spontaneous abortion.

High-level toxic metal exposure has become rare in the recent years. Although, it has not known whether relatively lower exposure may adversely affect human reproductive system. Spontaneous abortion (SA) is a serious reproductive problem, which, in many cases, the cause(s) is not clearly understood. To assess the relationship between prenatal blood level of metals and SA risk, we compared blood concentration of some heavy metals in samples taken from mothers recruited in Tehran Environment and Neurodevelopmental Defects (TEND) study conducted on apparently healthy pregnant women in Tehran, Iran who subsequently experienced spontaneous abortion with mothers who their pregnancy ended to live births. During early gestation, 206 women were enrolled to the survey and followed up till fetal abortion or baby deliveries occur. Blood metal concentrations were measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The mean blood levels of lead, antimony, and nickel were higher in SA than ongoing pregnancy; however, this difference was not statistically significant. When adjusted for covariates, the logistic regression analysis showed significant association between maternal age and the risk of SA in all models. Among toxic metals only antimony had a noticeable positive relation with the risk of SA (OR: 1.65, 95% CI:1.08-2.52, P value: 0.02). Pearson's correlation coefficient showed significant (P< 0.05) positive correlations among prenatal blood metals levels, except for nickel. Although the present study failed to provide strong evidence for the effects of toxic metals on the occurrence of SA at the relatively low-levels, these metals should be avoided in women who plan pregnancy and/or during the early stages of gestation to prevent the chance of adverse effects.

Evaluation of blood lead levels by atomic absorption spectrometry in school going children of northern areas of Pakistan.

To evaluate blood lead levels and assess their correlation with academic performance in school children. The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January to December, 2017, and comprised school children in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and Hajira, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. About 5 ml of venous blood was collected in potassium-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tubes for lead levels, haemoglobin and plasma ferritin. The preceding three years' academic performance, rated as excellent, good, fair and poor, of the subjects was categorised on a specifically-designed proforma. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. Of the 400 subjects, 205 (50.25%) were females. The overall mean age was 9.15±2.8 years. Mean level of lead was 4.3±2.6 µg/dL, and difference in values was significant between children of Hajira and Rawalpindi (p<0.05). Mean haemoglobin was 12.9±0.919g/dL and mean ferritin was 49.17±16.0ng/ml. Of the total, 85(21.3%) showed excellent school performance, 162(40.5%) good, 113(28.3%) fair and 40(10%) showed poor performance. Significant negative association was found between school performance and mean blood lead level (p>0.05). No significant difference was found in terms of gender and age with school performance of both regions. Majority of school going children in northern Pakistan were found to have lead levels ≤ 5µg/dL which is a level of concern as it is inversely related to academic performance.

Lead and cadmium in infant milk and cereal based formulae marketed in Nigeria: a probabilistic non-carcinogenic human health risk assessment

There has been concern on the likelihood of contamination of infant formulae and consequent health risk in children. This study has assessed and compared the lead and cadmium levels in infant formulae commonly consumed in Nigeria with international regulatory limits. It has also compared the estimated daily intake with Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and Proposition 65 Provisional Tolerable Daily Intake. Lead and cadmium levels in 26 different brands of infant formulae purchased from stores in Port-Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria in January 2018 were assayed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The lead and cadmium levels in milk based infant formulae ranged from 0.61-3.50 mg/kg and 0.01-0.55 mg/kg respectively whereas the range of the lead and cadmium levels in the cereal and cereal mix based were 0.29-1.95 mg/kg and 0.02-0.37 mg/kg, and 0.47-2.34 mg/kg and 0.001-0.46 mg/kg respectively. The mean lead level in the milk-based formulae (1.49 0.89 mg/kg) was slightly higher than other groups of formulae but the difference was not significant (p<0.05). The mean level of cadmium (0.17 mg/kg) in milk-based infant formulae was higher than levels in cereal and cereal mix but there was no significant statistical difference (p<0.05) between the samples. The lead and cadmium level in milk, cereal and cereal mixed based infant formulae were above the food safe limits. The consumption of infant formulae may add to the body burden of cadmium and lead of children with attendant public health implication. Regular monitoring and safety assessment of metals contamination of these infant formulae is advised.

Cadmium and lead levels in three freshwater fish species from the Zambezi region, Namibia

Muscle tissue from three-spotted tilapia (Oreochromis andersonii) (n = 11), sharp tooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) (n = 14) and tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) (n = 12) were sampled from a market in the Zambezi region, Namibia in June 2018 and analysed for cadmium and lead. Cadmium was not detected in the three fish species. Mean lead levels in all three fish species (0.09–0.19 mg kg−1) were below the recommended safe level of 0.3 mg kg−1. Catfish had the highest mean lead concentrations, followed by tigerfish and tilapia in descending order. However, the differences in mean lead concentrations between the three fish species were not statistically significant (ANOVA, p = 0.18). These results show that the fish tested were safe for human consumption with respect to the metals tested. It is recommended that more metals and other contaminants, such as pesticides, be monitored robustly in water, sediment and fish, using the recommended protocols, in order to generate data that can be reliably used for human health risk assessments in the future.

Relation between low birth weight and Maternal blood lead levels in Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria: a case-control study

Background: Several epidemiological studies have investigated high lead (Pb) exposure and pregnancy outcomes,but few studies have investigated the association of low lead exposure and low birth weight (LBW). The aims of this study were to estimate the maternal blood lead levels (BLL), to identify determinants for BLL among parturient woman and to evaluate the association of maternal BLL andLBW. Methods: From July 2017 to February 2018, we carried out a case control study in the genecology and obstetrics hospital of Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria. Lead concentrations in maternal blood samples collected at delivery were measured in 29mother who delivered term LBW cases group and 29mother who give birth to a term normal weight baby matched controls.Blood lead levels were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: Mean maternal BLLwere higher among normal groups than in mothers of LBW, but this difference was not significant (23,076 ±16,120, versus 18,086 ± 6,641 ug/l p=0.247).Our results indicate that the mean lead level was nothigher in LBW neonates, and the whole blood lead was not related to the birth weight. In addition,there was interaction of daily kohl use and maternal BLL. Conclusion:This study suggeststhat maternal BLL was not significantly associated with LBW. Mothers with daily use of kohl during pregnancy were more likely to have elevate blood lead concentrations.&#x0D; Keywords: case-control study, low birth weight, Algeria, lead, kohl.

Lead and zinc exposure in the blood of workers in municipal waste management

Improper treating, sorting, storing, transporting, or disposing of wastes poses a potential risk to the health of humans and the environment. The workers of waste management plants are at risk of exposure to heavy metals and their toxic and hazardous effects through respiratory or cutaneous routes. Accordingly, concentrations of two heavy metals in the biological samples of workers of a municipal waste management (MSW) plant in Iraqi Kurdistan were measured in 139 persons who worked for at least 6months. Blood and plasma samples were collected to measure lead and zinc concentrations, respectively. Their working units, occupational history, smoking habits, and the distance living from the landfill site were recorded in a predesigned questionnaire. A blood lead level (BLL) of less than 40μg/dL was considered a safe cutoff. The lower limit of normal fasting plasma zinc was set at 70-120μg/dL. The study showed that the mean age of the workers was 33.43, ranging from 16 to 67years old, and they worked for the last 4.93years. Further, 22.3% of the staff had previous experience in a job with suspected exposure to heavy metals. The mean BLL concentrations and the plasma zinc level were 31μg/dl and 5.77μg/dl, respectively. The study did not find a substantial difference in lead and zinc among workers with different characteristics. We did not find any predictor for lead and zinc concentrations in our sample. The study showed that the mean levels of lead and zinc were lower than the permitted ranges.