Levels of lead in blood and water in occupationally exposed and unexposed population of the Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh: baseline analysis of a prospective cohort study
Background: Lead can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, leading to morbidity and mortality.
Aim: This study aimed to estimate and compare the prevalence of high blood lead levels (BLLs) among the adult population with and without occupational lead exposures.
Methods: A baseline survey of a prospective cohort study was conducted in 2022 among 180 adult males and females (20 – 60 years old) in the Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. The study participants were divided accordingly into three groups: direct occupationally exposed (Group 1); indirect air pollution-exposed (Group 2); and indirect non-occupationally exposed (Group 3). The participants were interviewed using a structured data collection instrument. Blood and water lead levels were estimated using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. We defined statistical significance as P < 0.05.
Result: Among the studied participants, 65.56% were less than 40 years of age and 74.44% were males. The BLLs ranged from 2.15 μg/dL to 19.03 μg/dL. The mean BLLs were 8.50 ± 2.36, 7.34 ± 3.02, and 5.65 ± 2.91 μg/dL for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The lead content in samples of 20 L-canned water in each group was more than 10 μg/L. On adjustment in multivariate analysis, the male gender and direct occupational exposure are significant risk factors for high BLLs (i.e., ≥5 μg/dL).
Conclusion: Both occupationally exposed and unexposed groups in the study had higher mean BLLs than recommended. The mean BLL in the occupationally exposed group was significantly higher compared to the general population. Higher lead content in drinking water may expose individuals to lead-related symptoms.
Relevance for Patients: High BLLs can have significant negative health effects on the human body. Lead is particularly harmful to the central nervous system and cardiovascular system.
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