Adverse effect of chronic lead paint exposure among painting workers in Wadi AL-hayah, Obary, Libya

Abstract

Lead is a toxic and harmful substance that can impact the homeostasis process of blood components and blood pressure. The objective of the study was to evaluate blood lead levels among painting workers (lead paint exposed group) and in unexposed group (control group).The second objective was to investigate its impact on hematological components and blood pressure. A total of 64 adult male subjects whose ages ranged between 20-45 years were included in this study, 34 of painting workers and 30 subjects as a control group. All the results were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 14 for applying one way ANOVA test. The mean age of painting workers was 33.02 ± 7.02 years and 34.23 ±7.12 years control group. Blood lead, RBCs, WBCs, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH and systolic, diastolic blood pressure were measured in the study. Blood Lead level of exposed group was 6.39±3.32 μg/dL and 1.25±0.58 μg/dL for unexposed group. Significant decrease in the levels of RBCs, Hb, MCV, HCT and MCH among lead paint exposed group as compared to unexposed group. On the other hand, WBCs levels were almost the same and were not significant for both groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were significantly increasing in exposed group as compared to unexposed group. It is concluded that lead exposure has an adverse effect on hematological components and causes anemia. Lead exposure contributes to cardiovascular diseases by elevating blood pressure even at low lead levels. Moreover, long susceptibility to lead exposure deteriorates blood components and blood pressure.