Effect of environmental lead pollution on blood lead levels in traffic police constables in Islamabad, Pakistan.

J Pak Med Assoc

Pakistan Medical Research Council, Central Research Centre, National Institute of Health, Islamabad.

Published: October 2005

AI Article Synopsis

  • The study assessed blood lead and trace elements (copper and manganese) in traffic police constables in Islamabad to evaluate environmental pollution's impact on metal levels in blood.
  • Results showed that constables had significantly higher mean blood lead (27.27 µg/dl) and manganese levels (21.94 µg/dl) compared to control groups, indicating a strong correlation with vehicle exhaust exposure.
  • The findings suggest that regular exposure to high traffic areas elevates blood lead concentrations, with varying levels of pollution observed between cities like Karachi and Islamabad.

Article Abstract

Objective: To determine the blood lead levels and trace elements (copper and manganese) in traffic police constables in Islamabad in order to assess the effects of environmental pollution on the levels of metals in body fluids.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 47 male traffic police constables, 21 to 45 years of age, posted in different areas of Islamabad and controlling traffic from 3 months to 18 years, 8 hours/day, 6 days/week. Adolescent males (13-19 years), residing in comparatively clean and very low traffic areas were included as controls. Blood lead, copper, and manganese concentrations were estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Results: The mean blood lead level among constables (27.27 microg/dl) was significantly (p<0.0001) high as compared to controls (3.22 microg/dl). Twenty one percent constables had elevated blood lead levels (over 25 microg/dl) and 13% had levels above the safety limit (40 microg/dl). No correlation was found between blood lead levels and length of service. No significant difference was found in the mean values for copper between traffic constables (93.49 microg/dl) and controls (71.15 microg/dl). The mean blood manganese levels in traffic constables (21.94 microg/dl) were significantly (p<0.0001) higher than in controls (1.70 microg/dl). The mean blood lead levels were significantly high in traffic constables of Karachi (47.7 microg/dl) as compared to Islamabad (27.2 microg/dl), which shows direct relation of rise in blood lead levels with vehicle exhaust.

Conclusion: Environmental lead pollution is associated with an increased blood lead concentration in those who are regularly exposed to vehicle exhaust in high traffic areas. The degree of lead pollution arising from vehicle exhaust differs in Karachi and Islamabad. Exposure to air containing dust particles rich in manganese may affect blood manganese levels.

Download full-text PDF

Source

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

blood lead
16
traffic police
12
police constables
12
lead levels
8
constables islamabad
8
copper manganese
8
blood
5
traffic
5
environmental lead
4
lead pollution
4

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!