Objectives Although the leaded gasoline has been phased out, lead (Pb) continues to be a public health concern due to its widely industrial uses. During the lead industrial processes, these workers exposed to the other non-essential elements, which can induce adverse effects including the imbalance of essential elements. The aim of this study is to compare with Pb, cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) in human whole blood between lead-exposed and non-exposed workers.

Method There were 109 lead workers and 329 individuals of non-exposed group, received the health examination in Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Taiwan. The whole blood concentration of Pb was determined by graphite atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS), while the others (Cd, As, Se, Co, Cu and Zn) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICPMS). We analyzed the associations between the seven elements and the worker health examination data. Finally, multiple linear regressions were used to analyze interaction between elements.

Results For all workers, the average of age was 40.13 years and mean BMI was 24.81. The other health examination results showed the well status of health and nutrition. Mean concentrations of seven blood elements in Pb-exposed workers were Pb=143.5, Cd=1.28, As=9.45, Se=251.46, Co=0.57, Cu=1044.4, and Zn=9706.92 (ug/L). On the other hand, the blood concentrations of these elements in non-exposed workers were Pb=26.18, Cd=0.98, As=5.28, Se=255.40, Co=0.42, Cu=880.07, and Zn=6891.52 (ug/L). Using the interaction variables, the results showed that there were interactions between Cd and As, As and Co, As and Cu.

Conclusions The positive effect of essential elements to health examination values were not clear, little does the influence to the other non-essential elements. However, the damage from occupational non-essential elements exposure still needs to be concerned. Interaction to multi-elements also needs further research.