Occupational lead exposure is an independent modulator of hypertension and poor pulmonary functions: A cross-sectional comparative study in lead-acid battery recycling workers

Blood lead level (BLL) is the primary biomarker for lead-exposure monitoring in occupationally exposed workers. We evaluated occupational lead-exposure (OE) impact on cardiopulmonary functions in lead-acid battery recycling unit workers. Seventy-six OE cases and 30 control subjects were enrolled for questionnaire-based socio-demographic, dietary, tobacco usage, and medical history data. Anthropometric measurements, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and pulmonary function tests were performed. Venous blood was collected for BLL, hematological analysis, and biochemical analysis. OE caused a significant increase in BLL, SBP, DBP, and small airways obstruction in lung function tests. It also impaired platelet indices, affected renal and liver biochemical measurements, and promoted oxidative stress and DNA damage. Multilinear regression analysis suggested that BLL affected SBP (beta = 0.314, p = .034) and increased small airways obstruction (FEV1/FVC, beta = -0.37, p = .05; FEV25-75%, beta = -0.351, p = .016). Higher BLL appears to be an independent modulator of hypertension and poor pulmonary function upon occupational lead exposure in lead-acid battery recyclers.