The effects of chronic exposure to contaminated air on blood lead level in Tehran traffic police officers and its effect on hematological factors in 2018

Background: Concerns about the harmful effects of lead and other heavy metals and toxic substances released from cars exhaust and their effects on human health are increasing.The aim of this study was to determine the level of lead and its effects on hematopoietic system of Tehran traffic police officers between two groups of outdoor traffic officers as test group and indoor traffic officers as control group.Materials and methods: This study was conducted on 41 outdoor traffic officers and 41 indoor traffic officers as control group. Blood samples were collected from individuals in test and control group and to determine the concentration of blood lead the atomic absorption device used, to investigate hematological factors cell counter device was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25.Results: Average blood lead level in outdoor traffic officers was 9.4±4.5 and in indoor traffic officers as control group was8.6±4.8 μg/dl. Average hemoglobin level in outdoor traffic officers was 13.8±2.5 and in the control group was 15.17±1.07 g/dl.Conclusion: Blood lead levels in outdoor Tehran traffic officers was higher than the indoor traffic officers. The mean of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the indoor police officers was significantly lower than those of police officers. Hemoglobin and hematocrit considerably decrease with increasing blood levels of lead. And the incidence of anemia due to chronic poisoning with lead in the test group is quite evident.

Keywords:

Lead , Traffic police officers , indoor and outdoor , Hematological effects