Heavy metal toxicity has become a serious health problem. Humans are frequently exposed to high levels of heavy metals whether in acute or chronic conditions through contaminated food, water, and air especially in mining environments. Miners face heightened risk of experiencing elevated levels of heavy metals due to their occupational exposure [1]. Some heavy metals, such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), or cobalt (Co), act as cofactors for enzymatic and metabolic pathways in small quantities. However, in large quantities, they can cause biological toxic problems, including inhibitory or lethal effects on all life forms [2], [3]. Some heavy metals like arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in low concentrations can lead to cause serious health issues [4], [5].

Body accumulation of heavy metals has harmful biological effects on organisms such as central nervous system, kidneys, and liver [6]. The effects of heavy metals are attributed to various cells and organisms. These effects can be toxic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic to living systems [7]. Research has shown that high concentrations of certain trace metals, such as copper, is able to produce reactive radicals like nitric oxide and superoxide anion radicals. On the other hand, Pb and AS bind to the sulfhydryl groups of proteins and deplete the glutathione. These processes lead to oxidative stress and subsequent DNA and protein damage, lipid peroxidation, and other effects. The metal-induced radicals formation is involved in the pathophysiology of diseases, such as cancer, liver inflammation, and neurological disorders [7]. Additionally, there are some evidences linking heavy metals to serum lipid levels. One study found that high levels of Pb increased the likelihood of higher serum lipid levels [8]. In Iran, copper levels were found to be higher in people with increased LDL-C levels [9]. Animal models have also shown that high levels of copper lead to increased oxidation of LDL [10]. Hematological parameters have been shown to vary with exposure to heavy metals. Lead (Pb) have been found to have diminishing effects on erythrocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit. Cu had decreased erythrocytes and hematocrit while, hemoglobin value increased [11]. Chronic exposure to As has been shown to decrease all hematological parameters [12].

While the effects of pollution agents have been assessed in various occupational fields in Iran by different reorganization and omission models [13], [14], [15], there is limited knowledge about the mining industry. The mining industry, known as one of the most hazardous occupations, exposes miners to high concentrations of heavy metals such as As, Pb, and Cu. Consequently, miners are at risk of developing various diseases due to high levels of occupational exposure and isolated living conditions [2], [16]. The Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex (SCC), one of the largest industrial mines in the world, is located in the southeast of Iran. The mining activities in this complex release high levels of heavy metals annually, exposing miners to the toxic effects of these metals. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the association between heavy metal exposure and biochemical (lipid profile, liver enzymes, and kidney markers) and hematological parameters in miners working in the SCC and non-miners from Rafsanjan city.