Clinical biochemical parameters associated with the exposure to multiple environmental metals in residents from Kabwe, Zambia

Lead (Pb) interferes with various bodily functions. Although high blood Pb (Pb–B) levels in residents from Kabwe, Zambia have been reported, the accumulation pattern of other metals remains unknown. The study was designed to determine the Pb–B, blood cadmium (Cd–B), and zinc (Zn–B) values of 504 representative samples from Kabwe, as well as the potential associated adverse health effects. The Pb–B level ranged from 0.79 to 154.75 μg/dL and generally increased in areas near the mine. A significant elevation of Cd–B was observed in two areas (0.37 ± 0.26 and 0.32 ± 0.30 μg/L) where the two highest mean Pb–B levels were recorded. By contrast, the Zn–B values did not differ greatly with respect to area. Some blood biochemical parameters relating to hepatic and renal functions were out of the normal range in approximately 20–50% of studied adult participants. The δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity was significantly inhibited in the two areas contaminated by Pb and Cd. A significant negative relationship was observed between metal levels and clinical parameters, e.g., between Pb–B and δ-ALAD for all the age categories and between Cd–B and the estimated glomerular filtration rate for all the age categories except 0–4 years. The elevated Cd–B in areas near the mine relative to the other areas suggested the potential adverse health effects of Cd and/or the interaction of Pb and Cd. A significant association of metal levels with clinical parameters also indicated the effects of metal exposure on hematopoietic, hepatic, and renal systems. •Cross-sectional study with representative 504 residents in closed mine site.•Significant elevation of blood lead and cadmium levels at areas near mine.•Increase of hepatic and renal parameters in 20–50% of target adult population.•Inhibition of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity due to Pb exposure.•Negative association between Cd level and estimated glomerular filtration rate.