Study of Heavy Metals and their effects on Oxidant/Antioxidant Status in Workers of fuel Station in Hilla city-Iraq

Abstract

Heavy metals are chemical elements that have a specific gravity at least five times that of water. Some heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and cadmium have hazardous effects on human health. These metals become toxic when an increase from the normal level allowed. Many workers are exposed to heavy metals in the fuel stations. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of some heavy metals (pb and Cd) on oxidant (MDA) and antioxidants (TAC, SOD, Zn, Cu, and Mg, Vit. C and Vit. K) in workers of fuel station compared with healthy control group in Hilla city- Iraq. The study was conducted on different area of Hilla city fuel stations. The study included 60 workers who have been working for at least 6 months, all of them were males. Sixty healthy volunteers serve as healthy control group, also all of them were males. Aged between (18) and (50) years for workers and control group. The results revealed that Pb and Cd and MDA levels significantly higher in the blood of workers than healthy controls (p <0.01) respectively. This study also found a significant decrease in the levels of TAC, SOD, Zn, Cu, and Mg, Vit. C and Vit.K in the blood of workers than healthy controls at (p <0.05) respectively. The present study suggests the exposure to heavy metal pollution in the work place (fuel stations) led to increase in the oxidative stress in workers which decreased the antioxidant levels.