Renal function parameters and hematological indices among artisans occupationally exposed to lead in Suleja metropolis, Nigeria

Lead exposure at work has been linked to significant health impacts, including a detrimental impact on organ functions, including nephrotoxicity and hematologic impairment. The above cross-sectional study was carried out to examine renal function status and hematological indicators of artisans working in the Suleja metropolis who had occupational lead exposure. There was a maximum of 137 persons studied: 67 artisans (car mechanics, generator repairers, petrol attendants, battery chargers, and spray painters) compared with 70 age-matched healthy control subjects between 17 and 50 years. Everyone had a 10ml venous blood sample drawn in order to determine biological markers (potassium, sodium, urea, uric acid, chloride and creatinine levels) and the complete blood count using standard laboratory methods. Results revealed that occupationally exposed artisans have significantly elevated blood lead of (82.25%, 37.6±0.8 µg/dL), White blood cell count (WBC) 8.5±1.4 x109/L and decreased heamoglobin (Hb) (72.51%, 9.8±1.1 g/dL, P<0.05), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (76.2 ± 5.4 fL P<0.05), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (25.3±1.9 pg, P<0.05) as compared with unexposed subjects (lead: 12.7±1.8 µg/dL, Hb: 14.3 ± 1.5 µg/dL.  WBC: 6.5±1.8 x109/L, MCV: 83.4 ± 2.7 fL, MCH: 28.7±1.4 pg; p<0.05 in all cases). Significant elevations were also observed in the mean concentrations of serum urea (8.1±1.6 mmol/L), creatinine (1.3±0.3 mg/dL), sodium (163±32 mmol//L), potassium (6.1±1.3 mEq/L), as well as a considerable decrease in the mean serum chloride levels (86.7±18 mmol/L) of occupationally exposed artisans compared to unexposed subjects (110.5±21 mmol/L), indicating impaired renal and hematologic functions in occupationally exposed individuals