Evaluatıon Of Health Status Of Turkısh Ceramıc Workers

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluation of health status of Turkish ceramic workers (n=99). For this purpose, leukocyte (WBC), hemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), thrombocyte (PLT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (CR), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) levels were investigated in workers and their controls (n=81). Also spirometry tests, chest radiographs and workplace dust measurement were analyzed. Methods: As and Hg levels determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). AST, ALT and CR levels were analyzed by Konelab Prime 60i auto-analyzer while Hb, PLT, WBC numbers and HCT percentages were measured by Coulter LH780. Chest radiographs of workers were taken by using a short exposure time with high voltage technique. Standard spirometry measurements of workers and controls were done with a dry seal spirometry Dust samples were collected with badge dosimeter and analyzed by gravimetrically. Results: In this study, WBC, PLT, AST, ALT, CR, As and Hg levels of workers higher while HGB and HCT levels lower than the controls. 38 workers were diagnosed with silicosis, 9 workers were suspected to have silicosis, whereas 52 workers were found to be healthy. Average value of FEV1/FVC ratios was found to be 81.430±5.314 (Mean ± SD) for workers and 81.31±5.22 (Mean ± SD) for controls. The mean concentration of respirable total dust in workplace was 3.58 mg/m 3 . Conclusion: Ceramic workers must be considered as risky persons as their working conditions affect many organs and systems in their body such as liver, kidney and hematopoetic system.