Biomarkers of lead in occupationally exposed persons in Gurara and Suleja areas, Niger State, Nigeria

Human exposure to lead could pose serious health challenges, especially among occupationally-exposed workers. Though several toxicological studies have been carried out on toxic lead exposure in humans regarding their levels, reactions and disease conditions; dearth data exists in terms of correlation of lead levels with their exposure markers and subsequent manifested disease conditions. This study therefore aims to investigate the association between lead exposure and specific biomarkers used in monitoring lead levels in some occupationally exposed individuals and comparing the values with non-exposed individuals. A total of 116 subjects (72 occupationally exposed and 44 non-exposed subjects) within the age range of 17– 50 years were studied in a cross-sectional study conducted between August 2021 and November 2021 in Gurara and Suleja areas, in Niger state, Nigeria. Blood lead levels, hepato-renal indices and hematological parameters were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and abacus 380 analyzer, respectively. The mean blood levels of lead were 26.8±5.4 μg/dL in occupationally-exposed subjects, while in non-exposed subject’s 3.7±2.1 μg/dL. The results showed that occupational exposure increases the blood level of lead, implicating hematological variables and elevating specific hepato-renal indices which consequently increase the health risk of occupationally exposed individuals. Therefore, taking note of other body burdens, the synergistic adoption of these indicative biomarker tests could be used to give an implicative assessment on lead exposure and toxicity.