Institute of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
Laboratory of Basic Psychology, Behavioral Analysis and Programmatic Development (PAD-LAB), Catholic University of Cuenca, Ecuador.
Environ Res. 2023 Aug 15;231(Pt 2):115913. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115913. Epub 2023 May 11.
Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) or heavy metals are synthetic compounds that can lead to negative effect on health, including immune and endocrine system disruption, respiratory problems, metabolic issues, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular problems, growth impairment, neurological and learning disabilities, and cancer. Petrochemical industry drilling wastes, which contain varying levels of EDCs, are known to pose a significant risk to human health. This study aimed to investigate the levels of toxic elements in biological samples of individuals working in the petrochemical drilling sites. Biological samples, including scalp hair and whole blood, were collected from petrochemical drilling workers, individuals residing in the same residential area, and control age-matched persons from nonindustrial areas. The samples were oxidized by an acid mixture before analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The accuracy and validity of the methodology were verified through certified reference materials from scalp hair and whole blood. The results showed that the concentrations of toxic elements, such as cadmium and lead, were higher in biological samples of petrochemical drilling employees, while lower essential element levels (iron and zinc) were detected in their samples. This study highlights the significance of adopting better practices to reduce exposure to harmful substances and protect the health of petrochemical drilling workers and the environment. It also suggests that perspective management including policymakers and industry leaders should take measures to minimize exposure to EDCs and heavy metals to promote worker safety and public health. These measures could include the implementation of strict regulations and better occupational health practices to reduce toxic exposure and promote a safer work environment.
接触内分泌干扰化学物质（EDCs）或重金属等合成化合物可能对健康产生负面影响，包括免疫系统和内分泌系统紊乱、呼吸道问题、代谢问题、糖尿病、肥胖、心血管问题、生长发育障碍、神经和学习障碍以及癌症。石化行业钻探废物含有不同水平的 EDCs，已知对人类健康构成重大风险。本研究旨在调查石化钻探现场工作的个体生物样本中的有毒元素水平。从石化钻探工人、居住在同一住宅区的个体以及非工业地区的同龄对照者中采集了包括头皮头发和全血在内的生物样本。在使用原子吸收分光光度法进行分析之前，将样本用酸混合物氧化。通过来自头皮头发和全血的认证参考材料验证了方法的准确性和有效性。结果表明，石化钻探员工的生物样本中有毒元素（如镉和铅）的浓度较高，而样本中的必需元素（铁和锌）水平较低。这项研究强调了采取更好的实践措施来减少有害物质暴露、保护石化钻探工人和环境健康的重要性。它还表明，包括政策制定者和行业领导者在内的有远见的管理者应该采取措施，尽量减少 EDCs 和重金属的暴露，以促进工人安全和公众健康。这些措施可能包括实施严格的法规和更好的职业健康实践，以减少有毒物质暴露并促进更安全的工作环境。
