Blood lead levels and renal, lipid, and hematological alterations in taxi drivers
Department of Biology, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Samarra, Samarra, Salah al-Din Governorate, Iraq.
Research Article
International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 2026, 12(01), 075–082.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijbpsa.2026.12.1.0071
Publication history:
Received on 13 June 2026; revised on 21 July 2026; accepted on 24 July 2026
Abstract:
Background: Taxi drivers are continuously exposed to traffic-related air pollution, including lead-containing particulate matter, fuel combustion by-products, and other environmental contaminants. Prolonged occupational exposure, together with sedentary work patterns, irregular dietary habits, and chronic work-related stress,
Aim of the study: The present study aimed to evaluated level of lead, hematological parameters, kidney function test, lipid profile in Taxi Drivers and control .
Materials and methods: The study started from January 2026 to May 2026 on study population age ranged from (21 – 60) years old. The study included a total of 60 participants: a control group of 20 individuals, and an experimental group consisting of 40 taxi drivers. The experimental group samples collected from taxi drivers working in Samarra, Salah AL-Din Governorate, Iraq.
Result: The present study demonstrated significant differences in BMI and lipid profile parameters between taxi drivers and healthy controls, (p < 0.05). Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, Total Protein and Globulin, urea, uric acid, creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA), lead(Pb), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate )ESR(, Packet cell volume(PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), Systolic Blood Pressure (BP) , and Diastolic Blood Pressure (BP) levels were significantly higher in taxi drivers than in controls (p < 0.05). While non-significant differences in the level of albumin and glutathione level at p- value > 0.05.
Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that taxi drivers have a potential to induce both hematological and renal alterations. The hematological alterations include increased PCV and Hb.
Keywords:
Lead; Taxi Drivers; Lipid Profile; Renal Function; Oxidative Stress
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