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Oxidative stress and arsenic exposure among copper smelters

Thesis

Last updated: 06 Feb 2023

Subjects

-

Tags

Occupational & Environmental Medicine

Advisors

El-Saftti, Amal M. , Rashed, Layla A. , Samir, Aesha M.

Authors

Teleb, Hebat-Allah Saad

Accessioned

2017-07-12 06:40:57

Available

2017-07-12 06:40:57

type

M.Sc. Thesis

Abstract

Introduction: Copper is widely used in industry. It has been associated with several health hazards among exposed workers. Aim: The aim of this work is to measure the indicators of oxidative stress as malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity levels in blood and their association with copper and arsenic levels among secondary copper smelter workers. Subjective and Methods: This study was conducted on forty (40) male workers in a secondary copper smelting factory, who were occupationally exposed to copper. They were compared to forty (40) male non-exposed individuals. Full history was taken, clinical examinations were done. Laboratory investigations in the form of: CBC, serum copper, serum arsenic, urinary arsenic, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase blood levels were measured. Environmental measurements of copper and arsenic dusts and fumes were carried out at selected different workplaces. Results: Environmental measurements in the workplace were within the normal permissible limits in Egypt. Statistically significant (p<0.05) differences were found between exposed and control as regards the prevalence of the respiratory and neurological symptoms. Compared to the control group, serum copper, serum arsenic, urinary arsenic and blood malondialdehyde level (Cu=148.4±15.6, serum As=2.6±1.2, urinary As=38.7±14.2, MDA=5.6±1.9) were significantly increased among exposed worker. Superoxide dismutase activities in blood (185.5±19.8) were significantly decreased and negatively correlated with duration of the employment (r=-0.750; p<0.001). Also malondialdehyde in blood were significantly increased and positively correlated with the duration of employment (r=0.830; p<0.001). Conclusion: The oxidative stress biomarker as malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased with exposure to copper dusts and fumes. It was positively related to copper and arsenic levels. While superoxide dismutase enzyme activity was significantly reduced, and it was negatively related to copper and arsenic levels. The disruption of hemostasis induced by oxidative stress may promote the development of health hazards with continued occupational exposure to copper fumes. Recommendation: from the present study we recommend: Pre-employment and Periodic medical examination for smelters workers including clinical examination and laboratory investigations as measuring serum copper, urinary arsenic, serum arsenic. Malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase blood levels can be used as indicators of oxidative stress among exposed workers.

Issued

1 Jan 2014

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.21473/iknito-space/36051

Details

Type

Thesis

Created At

28 Jan 2023