EFFECTS OF LEAD ACID EXPOSURE ON SERUM ELECTROLYTES AND HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AMONG RECHARGEABLE BATTERY RESTORATION WORKERS. A COMPARATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN DISTRICT PESHAWAR
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/9fy7vh53Keywords:
Rechargeable Batteries, , Anemia, Calcium, Hematology, ], Lead Poisoning], Occupational Exposure, ToxicityAbstract
Background: Lead (Pb) remains one of the most persistent and toxic heavy metals in the environment and has been widely utilized in industrial applications for centuries. The rechargeable battery industry is a primary source of occupational lead exposure, particularly in developing countries where workplace safety measures are inadequate. Chronic lead exposure disrupts multiple physiological systems, especially calcium metabolism and hematopoiesis, leading to long-term health consequences among exposed workers.
Objective: To evaluate the effects of occupational lead acid exposure on serum calcium levels and hematological parameters among rechargeable battery restoration workers in District Peshawar.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 participants—50 exposed battery restoration workers and 50 non-exposed controls from the general population. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for complete blood count (CBC) using the NIHON KOHDEN CELLTAC 3-part differential analyzer and for serum calcium using the BS200 semi-automated chemistry analyzer. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-tests and Chi-square analyses, were used to compare biochemical and hematological differences between the groups, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Among the exposed group, 100% exhibited hypocalcemia—56% mild (7.6–8.2 mg/dL) and 44% moderate (5.5–7.5 mg/dL)—whereas all non-exposed participants (100%) maintained normal calcium levels (8.5–10.2 mg/dL) (p < 0.001). Mild anemia was observed in 22% of exposed and 20% of non-exposed participants, while thrombocytopenia occurred in 8% of the exposed group. Common post-exposure symptoms included headaches (78%), fatigue (60%), and skin infections (48%), reflecting systemic toxicity from prolonged exposure.
Conclusion: Occupational exposure to lead acid in battery restoration workers causes significant biochemical and hematological disturbances, primarily hypocalcemia and mild anemia. These findings underscore the urgent need for occupational safety regulations, regular health surveillance, and nutritional interventions to mitigate lead-induced toxicity.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Faisal Rashid, Muhammad Uzair, Mian Shakeel shah, Mumtaz Ullah shah, Inam Ullah, Hilal Saeed, Abdullah, Zakir Ahmad (Author)
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