Concentration of Selected Elements and Antioxidative Potential in a Group of Males Working in the Metal Industry: Elements And Antioxidative Potential In Men

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to show that some elements have a proven antioxidative effect and are essential for the proper development and functioning of the human body. The study also assessed the concentration of selected elements and total antioxidant status (TAS) in a group of male inhabitants of Białystok, Poland, who are professionally active in the metal industry. The study group comprised 163 men aged 55–64 years. The concentration of the analyzed elements was determined using flame (Zn and Cu) and electrothermal (Se, Cd, and Pb) atomic absorption spectrometry. Spectrophotometric test kits were used to assay the TAS and glutathione reductase (GR) activity in serum. The results suggested the mean concentration of Se in serum was 54.04 ± 12.10 μg/L, which was below the reference range. A significant negative correlation was observed between the concentration of Se in the serum and Pb and Cd concentrations in the whole blood of the studied men. The concentrations of the other elements, antioxidant potential, and GR activity were within the reference range. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between Pb and Cd, indicating combined exposure and a considerable negative correlation between lead and selenium as well as between lead and TAS. Selenium and TAS are likely to modify the adverse effects of Pb in the bodies of the studied men. The results indicate that it is necessary to constantly monitor men who are occupationally exposed to heavy metals, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and introduce effective preventive measures at a local level.

Lead Toxicity and Pollution in Poland

“…The work environment is a significant source of lead exposure for many, and leads to numerous health issues and employee absenteeism [38]. Many workers, such as miners and steel workers, welders, plumbers and fitters, car mechanics, glass producers, construction workers, battery manufacturers and recyclers, shooting range employees and plastics manufacturers, are exposed to risk of contact with lead [2].…”

The lead toxicity and pollution with this element in Poland

“…Another study found a higher average Pb blood lead concentration (33 ± 9.6 µg/L) in a group of male employees mills in southern Poland (Śląskie Voivodeship). Other workers who were professionally exposed to heavy metals in mills in Legnica and Głogów had a 10 times higher Pb concentrations [25] than a group of men working in the metal industry in Podlasie Voivodeship [31]. The results indicate that men who are occupationally exposed to heavy metals should be carefully monitored to preserve their health [31].…”

“…The work environment is a significant source of lead exposure for many, which in consequence leads to numerous disorders and absenteeism of the employees of the metallurgical industry [31]. Many professional groups, such as miners and steel workers, welders, plumbers and fitters, car mechanics, glass producers, construction workers, battery manufacturers and recyclers, shooting ranges and plastics manufacturers, are exposed to risk of contact with lead [2].…”

“…It is also associated with the formation of free radicals during lead intoxication [18]. One study has shown the average concentration of Pb (29.39 ± 17.05 µg/L) in the group of men working in the metal industry in Podlasie Voivodeship, which was below the biological limit in Poland [31]. Another study found a higher average Pb blood lead concentration (33 ± 9.6 µg/L) in a group of male employees mills in southern Poland (Śląskie Voivodeship).…”

Inaction on Lead Despite the Relevant Knowledge: Predictors, Covariates, and Outreach Implications

“…The adverse health impacts include IQ deficiency, attention and behavioral problems, and poor academic achievement [ 4 , 29 , 30 ] and subsequent long-term impacts, such as reduction in chronic neurological damage leading to potential unemployment and crime [ 31 , 32 , 33 ]. Studies have also shown that lead, along with other heavy metals found in metallurgical industries, can lead to such adverse health effects as cardiovascular diseases in middle-aged men [ 34 ]. Other studies have also show links between elevated lead concentrations in the blood and placenta of pregnant women and the occurrence of miscarriage [ 35 ].…”