Cardiovascular risk in a community of Mexican pottery workers exposed to lead and hazardous working conditions in Tlaxcala, Mexico.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Occupational risk, such as exposure to hazardous activities or substances in pottery manufacturing, can exacerbate traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In this work, we aimed to identify cardiovascular risks among pottery workers and their relationship with sociodemographic and occupational factors. Cardiovascular risk (CVR) was assessed in 406 potters in Tlaxcala through medical examinations, biochemical tests, occupational data collection, and lead blood testing. The use of lead in pottery and sociodemographic factors were evaluated. CVR scores were calculated using models that predicted 10- and 30-year CVD events. We found that 41.4% of the participants had high blood pressure, 30.1% were pre-diabetic, and 25.9% had hypercholesterolemia. Obesity affected 75% of the participants, with women showing a higher prevalence (59.6%). Lead exposure from pottery work significantly increased CVR: each additional year of crafting activity increased the 30-year CVR by 0.71%. Risk models showed 61.4% of the participants had a 30-year CVR > 20%. Despite the higher percentage of female obesity, male artisans showed a higher cardiovascular risk related to risk factors and worse clinical thresholds. This study highlights the heightened CVR among artisans, particularly those involved in the production of glazed ceramics, due to exposure to toxic substances like lead (Pb) and kiln-related air pollutants.