AIR VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCS) CONCENTRATIONS, CLINICAL HEMATOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY IN WORKERS OCCUPATIONALLY EXPOSED TO VOCS

Abstract

Context: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one of the most important pollutants in the air that can lead to a broad range of adverse health effects. One of the sources of VOCs is their emissions during copper concentration in copper factories.

Aims: To evaluate the concentration of VOCs in the concentration plant of a copper factory and the impact of these pollutants on worker’s health.

Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional study in a concentration plant of a copper factory.

Methods and Material: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for measurement of VOCs in the air samples collected by activated charcoal tube. Additionally, urine and fasting blood samples were taken for urinalysis and routine Hematological and biochemical tests of kidney and liver functions.

Statistical analysis used: data were analysed using the student's t-test for difference of mean by Graph pad Prism foe windows (version 6.07)

Results: Fourteen VOCs were identified in the air samples and all parameters except alkaline phosphatase, blood sugar, bilirubin, and monocytes, lymphocytes, and eosinophils counts were significantly increased.

Conclusions: The average exposure of workers to VOCs did not exceed the current TWA. However, evidence of subtle, sub-clinical and pre-pathologic early blood, liver, and kidney dysfunction was evident in exposed individuals.