Occupational Health Risks of Lead and Cadmium Exposure: Haematological Effects in Automobile Workshop Workers from Northern KP, Pakistan

Abstract

As ingesting or inhaling several heavy metals presents significant health risks, automobile workshop workers are more prone to this toxicity due to exposure to hazardous chemicals from older vehicles. Therefore, this preliminary study was conducted to determine the serum levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in automobile workshop workers and their effects on their haematological parameters. Blood samples were collected from 30 exposed and 30 control groups after obtaining informed consent. Serum Pb and Cd levels were estimated using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, while complete blood counts were performed for haematological analysis. A significantly increased mean value of Ld (exposed 10.914±2.48, control 5.79±1.833 P=0.036) was noted in the exposed group. The mean value of Cd (exposed 0.393mg/L, control 0.322 mg/L, P=0.22) was also higher in the exposed group. Similarly, the exposed group showed a significant increase in WBC (P=0.0024) and decreased Hb level (P=0.0029) compared to the control group. Furthermore, the difference in haematological parameters was more prominent in older people (age group 46-50). The study's findings underscore the urgent need for awareness and intervention in addressing heavy metal exposure in workers, highlighting the potential health risks and the importance of preventive measures.