Hygienic and clinical functional aspects of health status in phthalate production

Abstract

Introduction. Polyesters of terephthalic acids are major products of organic synthesis, widely used in various industries: for packing materials production, including those for foods and medicaments. Polyesters of terephthalic acids are stable chemicals and highly toxic with cumulative eff ects. Phthalates production requires further studies. Objective. To determine hygienic and clinical functional aspects of workers’ health formation in phthalates production. Materials and methods. Special clinical functional study covered workers who first started work activity in production of terephthalic acids, purified terephthalic acid and polyethylene terephthalate over 5 years of JSC “POLYEF” exploitation. Hematologic, cytochemical, biochemical and immunologic studies covered workers with primary 5-year service in the production. Hygienic evaluation covered work conditions of workers engaged into production of terephthalic acid polyesters. Results. Th e work conditions are characterized by increased level of terephthalic acids from 1.5 to 2.8 MACs. By 5 years of service, most the workers demonstrate anemia, reticulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia, lymphocytosis, lower enzymatic activity. Investigations also covered the most marked and early changes in cardiovascular, nervous systems, ENT organs, locomotory system and connective tissue. Major factors infl uencing the stated disorders are acting concentrations of terephthalic acid, exceeding MAC 1.5–2.8 times; character of infl uence caused by complex of chemicals with acute and unidirectional action; occupational noise exceeding MAL of 5–21 dBA. Conclusions. General principles of occupational factors action: anemic syndrome; polymorphic regulatory disorders of metabolism; sensitization, allergization; formation of secondary immune defi ciency of cytopenia type; vegetative vascular disorders — the most fr equent and early syndrome of clinical and structural health disorders; locomotory disorders caused probably by phthalates toxicity; upper respiratory tract disorders (summarized eff ects of chemical irritants); specifi c changes associated with increased noise parameters (vegetative disorders, hypertension, neurosensory deafness, etc.).