Effect of Air Lead Pollution on Blood Bilirubin and Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels among Occupationally Exposed Workers in Main Sudanese Cities

Abstract

Up-regulation of bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase in blood serum due to lead poisoning has been correlated to many adverse health impacts. Traffic policemen and petrol station workers are more likely affected by air lead pollution. This study was conducted to determine blood lead, bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase levels in traffic policemen and petrol station workers, beside determination of some medical complications due to lead toxicity. A total of 150 subjects were randomly selected from different cities of Sudan, in which 100 samples taken as exposed group and 50 as un-exposed (control). Blood lead concentration was determined by using atomic absorption spectrometer. Biochemical parameters were measured in serum using standard methods. Data was collected with the aid of writing a questionnaire. Mean blood lead concentration in exposed group was found to be 32.2 μg /dl, whereas in control was 12.4 μg/dl. No correlation was found between blood lead levels and work duration in both exposed and control groups understudy. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in exposed group than in control. The Serum total bilirubin was slightly high (p < 0.05) in exposed group as compared to control.