Risk factors of renal dysfunction and their interaction in level-low lead exposure paint workers

BACKGROUND: To explore the effect of low-level lead exposure on renal dysfunction in paint works, and analyze the interaction between low-level lead exposure and other influence factors of renal dysfunction. METHODS: Seven hundred forty seven workers from Sany Heavy Industry Company and Xiangjiang Kansai Paint Company who have been exposed to paint were chosen by random cluster sampling. Their blood lead level and Urine β2-micro globulin level (renal dysfunction) were tested,risk factors of renal dysfunction in paint workers and their interactions were analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of renal dysfunction was 12.37%. Risk factors of renal dysfunction in paint workers mainly included longer working years (OR = 1.699, 95% CI: 1.226~ 2.355), blood lead positive (OR = 2.847, 95% CI: 1.577~ 5.139) and hypertension (OR = 2.192, 95% CI: 1.103~ 4.359). Positive interaction existed between hypertension and low-level blood lead on renal dysfunction in paint workers, the RERI (Relative excess risk of interaction), API (Attributable proportions of interaction) and S(the synergy index) were 4.758, 54.5% and 2.604 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Low-level lead exposure and hypertension not only have independent effect on renal dysfunction in paint workers, but also had obvious positive interaction in paint workers. Interventions aimed at blood lead and blood pressure at the same time will better prenvent from renal dysfunction. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-5475-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.