Title
Lead and cadmium levels in blood among painters and battery workers: A case control study
Authors
Durgesh Kumar1, Mohammad Kaleem Ahmad1, Anveshika Manoj1, Gautam Prasad1, Ravindra Kumar Garg2 & Abbas Ali Mahdi1, *
Affiliation
1Department of Biochemistry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, 226003, India; 2Department of Neurology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, 226003, India; *Corresponding author
Durgesh Kumar - E-mail: durgeshkumar7094@gmail.com
Mohammad Kaleem Ahmad - E-mail: mohdkaleemahmad@kgmcindia.edu
Anveshika Manoj - E-mail: anveshikamanoj95@gmail.com
Gautam Prasad - E-mail: biochem.lko1@gmail.com
Ravindra Kumar Garg - E-mail: garg50@yahoo.com
Abbas Ali Mahdi - E-mail: abbasalimahdi@gmail.com
Article Type
Research Article
Date
Received June 1, 2026; Revised June 30, 2026; Accepted June 30, 2026, Published June 30, 2026
Abstract
Occupational exposure to heavy metals like lead and cadmium remains a significant health concern due to poor workplace awareness and unsafe practices. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluated blood levels of lead, cadmium and oxidative stress markers in occupationally exposed workers (painters and battery workers) compared to controls. Analysis using ICP-MS revealed significantly elevated metal levels in exposed workers, along with decreased antioxidant enzyme activities and increased lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001). Total antioxidant capacity was also significantly reduced, indicating impaired defense against oxidative stress in exposed individuals. Thus, we report the mechanistic link between heavy metal exposure and oxidative imbalance, emphasizing the need for improved occupational safety and preventive strategies.
Keywords
Occupational exposure, metal toxicity, oxidative stress, total antioxidant capacity
Citation
Kumar et al. Bioinformation 22(6): 3369-3374 (2026)
Edited by
Ritik Kashwani
ISSN
0973-2063
Publisher
License
This is an Open Access article which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited. This is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.
