Effect of Ethylenediaminetetracetic Acid on Lead among occupation Lead Handlers in Enugu Urban Nigeria

Abstract

The effect of Ethylenedianinetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on lead content of blood has not been worked on in vitro. This led to carrying out this research. The aims of this research is to ascertain if EDTA has any effect on blood lead levels if the sample is collected using an EDTA tube and also to find out if there is any significant difference in the blood lead levels of the same sample when collected with an EDTA tube and a non-EDTA tube. Hundred (100) males who are commercial painters and who have painted for more than 5 years were recruited for the research. Fifty (50) males who had nothing to do with lead and lead products were also recruited to serve as the control group. The blood lead levels of the test group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the control group. The haematological indices were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the blood in plainon-EDTA tubes than that in the tubes containing EDTA. In the haemoglobin concentration, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between that of the fresh blood and the sequestered blood. The lead concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the native blood than the sequestered blood. From the investigations the EDTA in the tubes had an effect on the lead already in the blood and the effect was noticed on the haematological parameters.