Occupational lead exposure and its dual impact on renal function and reproductive hormones: A case-control study of Nigerian battery chargers

Occupational lead exposure among battery chargers poses significant risks to renal and reproductive health. This study assessed serum markers of kidney function (urea, creatinine, uric acid) and reproductive hormones (luteinizing hormone [LH], testosterone) in battery chargers compared to non-exposed controls in Ondo West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. In this case–control study, 26 male battery chargers with more than five years of exposure and 26 age-matched controls provided venous blood samples. Standard assays (Berthelot, Jaffe, uricase; ELISA) were used to measure the analytes. Sociodemographic data and exposure history were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests and Pearson correlations (SPSS version 20; p < 0.05 considered significant). Battery chargers showed significantly elevated serum creatinine (94.6 ± 14.9 µmol/L vs. 81.1 ± 10.5 µmol/L; p < .001) and blood lead levels (43.8 ± 34.8 µg/dL vs. 5.7 ± 3.2 µg/dL; p < .001), along with significantly reduced LH levels (3.18 ± 1.50 ng/mL vs. 5.58 ± 1.90 ng/mL; p < .001). No significant differences were observed in serum urea, uric acid, or testosterone levels (p > .05). Duration of lead exposure was positively correlated with creatinine (r = .58; p < .001) and negatively correlated with LH (r = –.50; p < .001). These findings suggest that chronic lead exposure in battery chargers is associated with subclinical renal impairment and disruption of the pituitary–gonadal axis. Routine biomonitoring and enhanced workplace safety interventions are strongly recommended.