The relationship of blood lead levels and blood pressure in lead workers

Introduction
Lead is considered an environmental pollutant of high risk to public health. Recently, more research has focused on the toxic effects of lead on the cardiovascular system. To evaluate associations between lead exposure and blood pressure, a cross-sectional study was performed in the 301 lead battery workers.

Methods
The study is focused on the measuring the lead exposure i.e. blood lead and cumulative lead (work duration × current blood lead) and their cardiovascular effects (systolic and diastolic blood pressure). All subjects completed medical examinations were taken. Blood samples were taken at venous blood. Height, weight and blood pressure were measured by a trained nurse. By the questionnaire, the informations of health related behaviors such as, age, smoking and drinking habits, food intake habit, stress were obtained. Statistical analysis, such as t-test, Chi-square test, and multiple regression analysis were performed using SPSS package program.

Results
The mean of the blood lead and work duration of the lead exposed subjects were 16.9 ± 7.2 ug/dL and 12.1 ± 8.5 years, respectively. The mean of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 123.7 ± 13.9 mmHg and 76.1 ± 10.5 mmHg, respectively. After adjustment for the covariates such as age, smoking and drinking habits, body mass index, food intake habit, exercise, and stress, the blood lead and cumulative lead were not associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Discussion
Lead exposure is an environmental threat to occupational workers and the general population. The adverse effects of lead exposure on cariovascular function has received increasing attention. The association between lead exposure and raised blood pressure remains controversial. In conclusion, subject to the limitations inherent in a a cross-sectional study, lead exposure was not associated with blood pressure in 301 lead workers.