Assessment of Lead and Chromium Exposure in the Cashe Industrial Zone and their Impact on Liver Functions.

This study aimed to assess lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) concentrations in human blood samples and assess their potential effects on liver functions among individuals living near the Cashe Industrial Zone in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. 120 participants were divided equally into an exposed group (Cashe group) and a control group (from Sheladeze). Whole blood samples were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations using atomic absorption spectrophotometry with graphite furnace (AAS-GF). Liver function biomarkers—including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured in serum samples using a Cobas C 311 autoanalyzer. The mean concentrations of Pb and Cr in the Cashe group were (2.226 ± 0.140 and 1.515 ± 0.033) µg/dL, respectively, compared to 1.565 ± 0.132 µg/dL for lead and 1.306 ± 0.049 µg/dL for chromium in the control group. The exposed group showed higher mean enzyme activities (ALT: 16.47, AST: 23.15, ALP: 141.67, GGT: 20.41) U/L than the control group (ALT: 13.02, AST: 22.28, ALP: 126.08, GGT: 15.86) U/L, though differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05, t-test). These results suggest that even low-level environmental exposure to heavy metals may lead to mild but measurable hepatic stress. Indicating potential long-term health risks.