A survey to evaluate the association between blood lead level and blood pressure among workers employed in factory manufacturing lead acid-storage batteries

Background: There are many controversies reported about the association between blood lead levels and blood pressure among lead exposed workers. Studies have suggested incorporating lifestyle factors along with blood lead levels. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of lead exposure on blood pressure changes among lead exposed workers in contemplation of lifestyle factors. Materials and methods: Study design is descriptive. Three hundred ninety one male lead exposed workers were enrolled. The subjects were categorized into four groups according to their blood lead levels by using quartile distribution. Blood lead levels were measured by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.  Blood pressure was measured by using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Data were analyzed by using SPSS (Version 7.5). Results: The mean systolic blood pressure in quartile-2 blood lead levels and the prevalence of hypertensive in quartile-4 blood lead levels were significantly increased as compared to quartile-1 blood lead levels. Multiple regression analysis found no significant association between blood pressure and blood lead levels among lead exposed workers. The lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, body mass index and chewing of tobacco products were significantly associated with blood pressure changes among lead exposed workers. Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that there was a significant association noticed between blood pressure and lifestyle factors.