Renal Toxicity Due to Lead Reduced by ACF

Abstract

Unorganized lead acid battery workers are exposed to lead. It causes the most occupational heavy metal toxicity. High lead affects several organs and systems of the body. Activated carbon fabric respiratory mask is known to reduce absorption of lead. The study was designed to see use of activated carbon fabric respiratory masks (ACF) in reducing lead-induced nephrotoxic effects among workers. A total of 36 male subjects aged 20 to 65 years were included in this study. Blood lead, renal markers, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, and potassium were investigated. Increased blood lead (P < 0.001), significantly decreases after using ACF mask. Renal function markers showed significant alteration in serum creatinine (P < 0.01), urea (P < 0.01), and uric acid (P < 0.001), in the study group after using ACF respiratory mask. Significant improvement in the mean levels of sodium (P < 0.0001), potassium (P < 0.05), calcium (P < 0.0001), and phosphorous (P < 0.001) after using ACF mask. Increase in generalized aminoaciduria was seen in battery workers before using ACF mask, but there was no decrease in excretion of amino acids after using ACF mask. The symptoms of lead acid battery workers did not significantly decrease after using ACF mask. Present study concludes that significant change in renal function parameters using ACF mask regularly indicates decreasing absorption of lead.