Abstract
Serious health consequences can occur not only from acute exposure to environmental toxicants, but also from chronic exposures to minute quantities. Petroleum substances are widely distributed and used in huge amount, mainly as fuels. A total number of 45 males aged between 20 and 45 years participated in this study. The participants were divided in to two groups: The first group of 25 subjects worked at least 8hours/day in different oil product distribution companies in both Basrah and Thiqar Governorates-Iraq. The second group (control group) of 20 healthy individuals with age and weight matched with the test group and lived far away from hazardous exposure. Heavy metals levels in hair were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism (version 6.0). Higher levels of lead and cupper were observed in the hair of subjects working in different oil product distribution companies compared to control group. Heavy metals evaluation in hair samples could be used as a good bioindicator of heavy metal exposure in occupational and environmental surveys for various populations for screening for heavy metals toxicity. In the present study high levels of heavy metals were observed in workers at different oil product distribution companies in Iraq.
Highlights
Nowadays, it is clearly known that serious health consequences can occur from acute exposure to environmental toxicants, and from chronic exposures to diminutive quantities
According to PETROTOX and PETRORISK spreadsheet models that designed to facilitate the performance of hazard and risk assessments of petroleum substances, the primary ingredients that are responsible for danger health consequences are hydrocarbons, in addition to heavy metals
Determination of heavy metals concentrations in hair samples by Atomic Absorption gave an idea about the potential previous long-term heavy metal exposure and accumulation
Summary
It is clearly known that serious health consequences can occur from acute exposure to environmental toxicants, and from chronic exposures to diminutive quantities. Such exposures and their adverse outcomes are often insidious, in particular at an individual level (Reis et al, 2007). Petroleum substances are widely distributed and used in bulky quantities, mainly as fuels. These fuels are complex mixtures of numerous ingredients. According to PETROTOX and PETRORISK spreadsheet models that designed to facilitate the performance of hazard and risk assessments of petroleum substances, the primary ingredients that are responsible for danger health consequences are hydrocarbons, in addition to heavy metals. Humans are exposed to lead (Pb) through dust and vapor via
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
