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.