Background: Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemicals that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in living organisms and pose a threat to human health and the environment. They can cause a range of health problems, including cancer, developmental and reproductive effects, and immune system damage. This study aims to assess the frequency of detection of POPs among electronics workers.
Methods: The study included 155 electronics workers. Blood samples were collected from all participants and tested for 6 categories of POPs which are dioxins, furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), hexachlorobenzene, bromo derivatives and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
Results: Approximately 78% of participants showed POPs in their serum samples and two-thirds of polluted workers had more than one congener up to 13 different POPs congeners detected in the same sample. The most frequent category detected in participants was furans (62%), followed by PAH (61%). POPs were detected among 84% of blue collars compared to 54% of white collars (p < 0.001). Body mass index, blood pressure, random blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin were evaluated in a comparative manner between participants with detected POPs and those without, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: There is high frequency of POPs detection in serum samples of workers in electronics industries which reflects high exposure either occupationally or environmentally. Further studies should be performed to track the source of exposure and start prevention strategy. Follow-up of participants to detect any complications related to POPs.