Environmental Science and Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
Public Health Department, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Environ Res. 2023 Aug 15;231(Pt 2):116173. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116173. Epub 2023 May 25.
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can lead to adverse health effects, including immune and endocrine system disruption, respiratory problems, metabolic issues, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular problems, growth impairment, neurological and learning disabilities, and cancer. Fertilizers, which contain varying levels of heavy metals, are known to pose a significant risk to human health, especially for those residing or working near fertilizer industries. This study aimed to investigate the levels of toxic elements in biological samples of individuals working in a fertilizer industry's quality control and production units and those residing within 100-500 m of the industry. Biological samples, including scalp hair and whole blood, were collected from fertilizer workers, individuals living 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 quality control and production employees. In contrast, lower essential element levels (iron and zinc) were detected in their samples. These levels were higher than those found in samples collected from residents living within 10-500 m of the fertilizer manufacturing facilities and unexposed areas. This study highlights the significance of adopting better practices to reduce exposure to harmful substances and protect the health of fertilizer industry workers and the environment. It also suggests that 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 implementing 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) 可能导致不良健康影响，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。肥料中含有不同水平的重金属，已知对人类健康构成重大威胁，特别是对于居住或工作在肥料行业附近的人。本研究旨在调查在肥料行业质量控制和生产部门工作的个体以及居住在该行业 100-500 米范围内的个体的生物样本中的有毒元素水平。从肥料工人、居住在同一住宅区的个体以及非工业地区的年龄匹配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，质量控制和生产员工的生物样本中有毒元素（如镉和铅）的浓度较高。相比之下，他们的样本中检测到的必需元素（铁和锌）水平较低。这些水平高于从居住在肥料制造设施 10-500 米范围内和未暴露地区的居民中采集的样本中的水平。本研究强调了采用更好的实践来减少有害物质暴露并保护肥料行业工人和环境健康的重要性。它还表明，政策制定者和行业领导者应采取措施减少对内分泌干扰物和重金属的暴露，以促进工人安全和公众健康。这些措施可以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。
