The effect of occupational chronic lead exposure on the complete blood count and the levels of selected hematopoietic cytokines

In this study, chronic lead exposure in the occupational setting at levels <50 μg/dl does not affect RBC count and hemoglobin level but decreases MCV and hematocrit. Similarly, chronic lead toxicity does not affect WBC count but alters proportions of different types of leukocytes with significant increase of MXD count associated with elevated level of IL-7. Oppositely to a short-term lead exposure, chronic lead exposure elevates MPV and does not alter PLT count.