Workers in metal foundries are exposed to several heavy metals, including lead, copper, aluminum, arsenic, and zinc. The association between occupational heavy metal exposure and metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains unclear due to inconsistent findings in previous studies. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between exposure to multiple heavy metals and MetS among metal foundry workers and identify related risk factors. Cross-sectional analytical study involved 62 metal foundry workers and 62 age and sex matched non-occupationally exposed individuals. Where history taking, full clinical examination, in addition to laboratory tests involving serum heavy metals of aluminum, copper, arsenic, blood lead and zinc, fasting blood glucose, HDL, and triglycerides were done. MetS prevalence was 56.5% in foundry workers and 19.4% in controls (p < 0.001). Mean levels of heavy metals, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and triglycerides were significantly higher in the exposed group compared with controls. Workers with elevated levels of ≥ 3 studied heavy metals were 48 (77.4%), significantly higher than controls (p < 0.001). Age, duration of employment, elevated blood lead, and serum arsenic showed statistically significant differences among exposed workers with MetS. Blood lead (15.6 ± 4.5, p < 0.023), serum arsenic (6.5 ± 3.1, p 0.012), and having ≥ 3 elevated heavy metals were significantly associated with MetS. In adjusted analysis, lead levels were associated with higher odds of MetS (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04–1.40, p 0.014). Duration of employment and number of elevated heavy metals were also significant predictors. Each additional year of employment increased MetS risk by 10%, each unit increase in lead level increased risk by 23%, and each additional elevated heavy metal doubled the risk. Mean serum arsenic was significantly higher among hypertensive compared with non-hypertensive ones. Occupational exposure to heavy metals mixture (lead, arsenic, zinc, aluminum, and copper) in metal foundry workers significantly associated with developing MetS. Not applicable. The authors have verified written consent from every subject participating in the study prior to conducting the study.
Fouad et al. (Mon,) studied this question.