CORRELATION OF ESSENTIAL AND TOXIC METALS IN BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES OF ADOLESCENT’S BOYS WORKING IN AUTOMOBILE WORKSHOPS. HEALTH CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

In developing countries, the presence of toxic metals and the insufficient supply of critical nutrients among adolescent automobile workshop employees is one of the most pressing issues. The current study focused on the health status of 13-17-year-old boys working in automobile workshops in Khairpur, Pakistan. For this study, exchange of some important trace elements: Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe), and toxic metals: Cadmium (Cd), and Lead (Pb) in biotic (scalp hair and blood) samples was done. Age matched adolescents from the same localities were chosen as referents. The samples were treated by acid digestion and then analyzed by ICP-OES. All selected workers and referents were examined by the elementary unit/a health care unit, and reports pertaining to the biochemical parameters were obtained. The concentration of Zn and Fe was found to be diminished in all biological samples. Contrarily, a significant concentration of Cd and Pb was recorded in all biological and genetic samples. In all biological samples, a positive correlation (r= 0.653 to 0.78) of Cd and Pb with Fe and Zn was noted. Working boys of the automobile workshops showed a negative correlation between the concentration of Pb and the level of hemoglobin in the biological samples (r= -0.685 to 0.743). It was concluded that the exposure of young boys to toxic metals, due to the lack of safety measures and improper management of the automobile workshops, negatively affects the health of the boys. However, poor nutritional status may lead to a deficiency in essential elements.