Objective Approximately 12.4% of the Mexican population is affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Leading risk factors for CKD are diabetes, hypertension, obesity and hypercholesterolemia. Other factors, including heavy metals and pesticides, are associated with decreased kidney function even at low exposure levels. Lead exposure in Mexico remains a public health problem and its effects on renal function remains unclear. The aim of the study was to determine the role of lead exposure on kidney function among Mexican craftworkers.

Methods A cross-sectional study was performed on 399 craftworkers and/or users of lead-glazed pottery. We obtained socio-occupational data and calculated creatinine clearance and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A complete blood count, blood lead (BPb) and biochemical profile tests were performed. A multiple linear regression model was constructed to analyze GFR determinants.

Results 48.37% (193) of the participants were men. The mean age was 44.34 ± 14.54 [17–84] years old. GFR: 104.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 ± 14.42 [61.9, 144.2], BPb: 17.57 μg/dl ± 14.68 [-2, 109], cholesterol: 181.38 mg/dL ± 38.05 [87, 411], systolic blood pressure (SBP): 122.42 mmHg ± 14.75 [89, 189]. CKD was present in 6.03% (24) of the population. The model explained 56.17% of GFR variability. The main determinants were: BPb β = 0.125 [0.055, 0.196]; age β = -0.675 [-0.751, -0.598]; males β = -3.393 [-5.458, -1.328]; CKD β = -4.825 [-9.165, -0.486]; cholesterol β = -0.033 [-0.060, -0.006] and SBP β = -0.069 [-0.147, -0.007].

Conclusions The Mexican population is exposed to multiple nephrotoxic risk factors, including pesticides and heavy metals. The results suggest that the increase in GFR is probably an early sign of kidney dysfunction due to lead exposure.