Lead precipitation on the gingival tissue of Iraqi workers in some fuel stations in Baghdad

Background: Lead usually is precipitated at the gingiva of the fuel station workers. Lead interacts with different molecules, thereby interfering with their function. An excess of lead contents could be toxic to the human body. Objectives: This proposed study was conducted for the evaluation of salivary lead level effect and the severity of gingival pigmentation in Iraqi fuel station workers. Materials and Methods: This study involves 40 individuals, who were asked to answer a questionnaire. The case sheet questions involve the personal details of participants such as gender, age, marital status, and working experience. It was filled by the participants. This is followed by an oral examination to assess the oral hygiene status and color of gingiva, then divided into three groups according to working period. To evaluate the level of lead within the saliva, it was estimated in teaching laboratories in Medical City by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer as well as clinical evaluation of the intensity of gingival discoloration according to the gingival surface and dental sites. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics and descriptive statistics to calculate the absolute and relative frequencies. Result: It was shown that gingival discoloration was noticed in 40% of the total sample with light brown to mixed brown/pink (average lead level = 5.74 mg/dL). In addition, 30% of the sample had a mixed brown/pink pigmentation (average lead level = 6.75 mg/dL) and the rest (30%) presented with mixed brown/pink to dark brown (average lead level = 10 mg/dL). The working periods range from 3 months to 10 years, the lowest value and the highest of lead in saliva were 8.3 and 11.8 mg/dL, respectively. The average of these values is 10.00 mg/dL. Conclusion: The intensity and severity of gingival pigmentation are directly associated with the level of salivary lead. Occupational safeties are essential for workers who are at high risk of exposure to avoid adverse effects of this metal on general health.