Abstract

BLOOD LEAD LEVEL AMONG A SAMPLE OF IRAQI WORKERS IN BAGHDAD CITY

Loay M.M.Altaay, Ass. Prof. Dr. Atta AH. Mousa AL-Sarray, Ass. Prof. Dr. Suhair
M. Hasson

Abstract

Background: Lead poisoning and occupational lead exposure remainsa serious problem despite awareness of its adverse health effects in theworld. The present study aimed to determine the levels of blood leadamong a sample of Iraqi workers in Baghdad city. Subject andmethods: A cross sectional study has been designed for a sample ofsubjects consists of (176) adult men, aged between (20-60) yearsdivided into 4 groups, (44) in each group including traffic policemen,taxi drivers and generators workers, while the controls group whichincluded volunteered healthy adults men. The study has beenconducted in Baghdad City from 1st December 2016 to the end of 30th June 2017. Data werecollected using questionnaire throughout interview technique for all adult men. Blood leadlevel was measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results: The findingsrevealed that the higher mean blood lead levels in (generators workers) 28.43 μg/dl and lowerin traffic policeman 20.43μg/dl and the lowest in taxi driver 19.45μg/dl. Mean of blood leadlevels in controls 12.35μg/dl, also the results revealed that there is a significant differencebetween Mean blood lead levels and study samples, and the comparison between studysample in (age and duration of work). There was also a different variation in the comparisonbetween study sample in (marital status and residency). Conclusions: A highly significantdifference between Mean blood lead levels in (generators workers) 28.43 μg/dl and lower intraffic policeman 20.43μg/dl and the lowest in taxi driver 19.45μg/dl.

Keywords: Blood Lead Levels, Baghdad City, Iraq.