Effects of lead exposure on the status of platelet indices in workers involved in a lead-acid battery manufacturing plant

This study was carried out to determine the effect of Pb exposure on the status of platelet indices in workers exposed to Pb during lead-acid battery plant process. Platelet indices and blood lead levels (BLLs) were determined in 429 male workers. BLLs were 'determined by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Platelet indices in the samples were quantified by using the Sysmex KX-21 hematology analyzer. The levels of platelet count (PLT), plateletcrit (PCT) and mean platelet mass (MPM) were significantly decreased and platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) and mean platelet volume were increased with an increase in BLLs. The results of linear multiple regression analysis showed that the platelet count (beta -0.143, P = 0.005), PCT (beta -0.115, P = 0.023) and MPM (beta -0.110, P = 0.030) were negatively associated with BLLs and P-LCR (beta 0.122, P = 0.016) was positively associated with BLLs. The variable of body mass index showed a positive association with PCT (beta 0.105, P = 0.032) and MPM (beta 0.101, P = 0.039). The results of the study may indicate that lead exposure may impair coagulation function through endothelial tissue injury and reduction of nitric oxide.