Fateme Kooshki; Masoud Neghab; Fatemeh Rahimian; Fereshteh Aliasghari; Esmaeel Soleimani
Abstract
Background: Several epidemiological studies have reported associations between high levels of lead exposure and oxidative stress (OS). However, research on the effects of low-level lead exposure remains limited. This study aims to assess the relationship between OS parameters and exposure to low concentrations ...
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Background: Several epidemiological studies have reported associations between high levels of lead exposure and oxidative stress (OS). However, research on the effects of low-level lead exposure remains limited. This study aims to assess the relationship between OS parameters and exposure to low concentrations of lead dust in mine workers.Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 73 lead-exposed workers and 70 age- and sex-matched non-exposed individuals. Demographic data and occupational and medical history were collected through questionnaires. Workers’ exposure to lead dust was assessed by air monitoring, and blood lead levels (BLLs) were calculated based on inhalation exposure. Blood samples were collected to determine OS parameters. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0.Results: The mean exposure of workers to lead dust was 24 μg/ m³ (range: 1.5 to 185 μg/m³), which complied with the OSHAPEL and ACGIH TLV-TWA standards for lead dust. The BLL in the exposed workers was found to be 45.47 μg/dL. A significant association was observed between the SOD/MDA ratio and exposure to lead dust. Additionally, a borderline negative association between lead exposure and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was found. A significant relationship was noted between workers’ BMI and OS biomarkers.Conclusion: This study’s findings suggest that chronic exposure to lead dust may affect OS biomarkers, even at concentrations below the current OSHA-PEL and ACGIH TLV-TWA.
Abdorreza Zarei; Mehdi Jahangiri; Alireza Koohpaei; Ahmad Zolfaghari; Abolfazl Barkhordari; Morteza Mortezavi Mehrizi
Abstract
Background: Crystalline silica is one of the compounds used in different industries. One of the industries in which this compound is used is the tile industry that can cause disabling lung disease. The purpose of this study was to reduce and eliminate workplace air pollutants by Local Exhaust Ventilation ...
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Background: Crystalline silica is one of the compounds used in different industries. One of the industries in which this compound is used is the tile industry that can cause disabling lung disease. The purpose of this study was to reduce and eliminate workplace air pollutants by Local Exhaust Ventilation system (LEVs). Methods: In this interventional-practical study, designing LEVs is accomplished according to the velocity pressure method balanced system design of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and is performed in spray dryer hall in a tile factory. The studied population consisted of 22 workers selected randomly. After implementation, the LEVs efficiency was evaluated, both in terms of occupational health and fluid mechanics. In order to evaluate the system from the point of view of occupational health, the measurement of Crystalline silica, inhalable and total dust was done before and after installation of LEVs by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 7601, 0600 and open face methods, respectively; also, to evaluate the system as to fluid mechanics, we measured the velocity and flow rate in some hoods and ducts. Results: Results showed that the obtained mean values of total, inhalable and silica dust after installation of LEVs had a statistically significant difference before the use of LEVs (p<0.05); also, the efficiency of removing the mentioned pollutants was 66, 94 and 96%, respectively. Conclusion: The performance of the ventilation system was in accordance with the values obtained in the design.
