Study on the Link between Lead Exposure and Hematological, Psychological, and Memorial Parameters in Automobile Repair Workers

Abstract

In the surrounding environment, lead (Pb) can be released by repairing some parts of automobile engine and radiators repair works. Lead is very well-known as a neurotoxicant as some links exist between blood lead level (BLL) and neurological outcomes. This cross sectional study was performed on 35 male workers who were 23 - 40 and worked in an automobile repair shop located in an industrial part of Tehran. Clinical evidences were recorded by a questionnaire. Subjects had given their blood samples between 7 and 8 a.m. before going to work. The levels of hematological parameters were measured and the amount of lead in plasma samples was determined by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The Iranian versions of mood state and Wechsler memory questionnaire were applied in order to evaluate mood and memory impairment. The association between variables was studied using Pearson correlation coefficient. A positive correlation was seen between workers’ history on one side and, urinary frequency and restlessness on the other side. There was not any meaningful relationship between worker history, blood parameters, and mood state. A negative meaningful relationship existed between the workers’ history and visual memory. Also a positive significant relationship was observed between BLL and epigastric pain and there was a negative relationship between BLL and repeat number. There was not a significant relationship between BLL, blood parameters, and mood state as well. It was concluded that work practices in the automobile repair shop seemed to increase the body burden of lead and may pose a health risk to the workers.