Toxicological Evaluation of Lead and Cadmium in Blood of Traffic Wardens in Abuja FCT

Traffic wardens in Abuja Federal Capital Territory face daily exposure to vehicular exhaust pollutants including lead and cadmium, heavy metals known to cause neurological, renal, and haematopoietic toxicity. This study evaluates blood lead and cadmium concentrations in traffic wardens and compares them with unexposed administrative workers in Abuja. Seventy traffic wardens with at least two years of duty on major Abuja intersections and fifty unexposed administrative controls matched for age and sex were recruited. Whole blood lead and cadmium concentrations were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Haematological parameters and renal function tests were concurrently evaluated. Questionnaire data captured years of service, daily exposure hours, and personal protective equipment use. Results show mean blood lead of 18.6 micrograms per decilitre in traffic wardens compared to 4.3 micrograms per decilitre in controls, with 43 percent of wardens exceeding the US CDC reference threshold of 5 micrograms per decilitre. Blood cadmium was significantly elevated in wardens (mean 3.8 micrograms per litre) relative to controls (mean 0.7 micrograms per litre). Haemoglobin was significantly lower in wardens with the highest blood lead quartile. Serum creatinine and cystatin C showed modest but statistically significant elevations in the highest blood cadmium quartile. Years of service correlated positively with both metal concentrations. Personal protective equipment use was reported by fewer than 20 percent of wardens. Occupational health screening and protective equipment provision for traffic wardens in Abuja are urgently recommended. Keywords: blood lead, cadmium, traffic wardens, heavy metals, Abuja FCT.