The association between occupational lead exposure and serum cholesterol and lipoprotein levels

Objectives. This study sought to clarify the possible associations between blood lead level and serum cholesterol and lipoprotein levels in subjects occupationally exposed to lead. Methods. Levels of blood lead, serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides in 56 male industrial employees who were exposed to lead were compared with those in 87 unexposed employees. Results. Mean blood lead levels were 42.3 (±14.9) μg/dL in the exposed group and 2.7 (±3.6) μg/dL in the nonexposed group. The exposed subjects had higher mean levels of total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Conclusions. Blood lead levels are positively associated with total and HDL cholesterol.