Health risks associated with occupational contaminants of heavy metals across different professions

People in various occupations are chronically exposed to a wide range of workplace pollutants that affect overall health. Among these, certain heavy metals pose a risk even at low concentrations over prolonged exposure. This study aims to examine the health effects of specific heavy metals with chronic exposure in different occupational groups within the Pakistani population. A case-control approach was used, comprising 404 individuals with chronic exposure and 170 age- and gender-matched controls. Volunteers from seven different occupational groups participated in the study, including pump attendants, automobile mechanics, woodworkers, garment workers, furniture shop workers, electric/electronics workers, and office employees. Heavy metals were identified using the ICP-MS method, while renal, hepatic, pancreatic, and lipid parameters were assessed through standard colorimetric and enzymatic techniques. Heavy metals, including Mn, Ni, Co, Cu, and Pb, were detected at varying concentrations, with higher levels observed in exposed groups compared to the control group. Hepatic markers (ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, and GGT), renal function tests (BUN and creatinine), pancreatic parameters (insulin, glucose, amylase, lipase, and HOMA-IR), and lipid profile components (triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol) were found to be dysregulated in the exposed group. The findings conclude that the studied occupational groups face multiple health risks due to continuous exposure to the mixture of heavy metals. Notably, the presence of Pb was associated with multiple organ toxicity. Additionally, trace levels of heavy metals were found in workers not directly involved in metal-related tasks, raising concerns in developing countries where workplace safety measures are often inadequate.