Activated Carbon Fabric Respiratory Mask reduces Blood Lead, Oxidative Stress and Improves the Antioxidant Status and Liver Functions in Unorganised Battery Workers

Abstract

Effect of use of Activated Carbon Fabric (ACF) mask on blood lead (PbB), lipid peroxide, erythrocytes-Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase, Ceruloplasmin, and liver functions tests of battery manufacturing workers (BMW) were studied. For this study, 36 male battery manufacturing workers, those who are regularly using ACF mask for two months were included. A blood sample was collected before and after using ACF masks from battery manufacturing workers and estimated the blood lead level, liver function tests, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status parameters by using the standard method. After two months use of ACF mask by BMW, the blood lead level (P<0.01, -15.76%), total serum bilirubin (P<0.05, -28.09%), alanine transaminase (P<0.05, -20.84%), lipid peroxide (P<0.001, -33.33%) were significantly decreased and erythrocytes-superoxide dismutase (P<0.05, 22.38%), catalase (P<0.05, 38.39%), ceruloplasmin (P<0.05, 13.13%) were significantly increased in battery manufacturing workers as compared to before using the mask. This study reflects the use of two months ACF mask of high lead-exposed workers are useful to decrease lead absorption, which results in decreases oxidative stress and improves the antioxidant status and prevents liver toxicity.