Correlation between iron deficiency and lead intoxication in the workers of a car battery manufacturer

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional anemia in developed and developing countries. In addition, lead intoxication especially in developing countries is an increasing risk for health; because of rapid urbanization and consumption of leaded fuels. Many studies, particularly on children, have showed a correlation between iron deficiency and increase in blood lead-concentration. In this study, we evaluated this association in workers of a car battery manufacturer. This research was performed on workers who were exposed to lead in a car battery manufacturer in Mashhad, Iran, in 2006. Various laboratory tests including complete blood count (CBC), serum ferritin concentration applying radioimmunoassay method and blood lead concentration (BLC) by means of atomic absorption spectrophoyometry) Perkin Elemer, Model 3030) were performed. The obtained data was analyzed by the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, version 11.5) and statistical tests including t- test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used. P<0.05 was taken as the significant level. Based on clinical (lead line) and laboratory observations, all workers had lead intoxication with mean BLC of 32.2±13.7 µg/dl. There was not a significant difference between mean BLC in iron-deficient (n=11) and non-iron-deficient workers (n=78). Besides, applying Pearson's correlation coefficient did not reveal any correlation between blood lead with serum ferritin and blood hemoglobin. (r=0.18, P=0.09; and r=0.051, P=0.68 respectively) In this study, no correlation between blood lead concentration with serum ferritin and hemoglobin were observed. Thus, the following are recommended: 1. A similar research in a larger population having longer exposure to lead should be carried out. 2. Health improvement of work environment must be taken into account for the prevention of lead intoxication.