Trace metal status and the Impact of occupational exposure on the Serum metal content of the Laboratories staff

Abstract

Exposure to trace metals through various sources is likely to be somewhat higher in the work place than in the external environment. Recently there has been growing interest in the problem of the health and occupational disease risks that associated with protecting workers from unsafe working conditions. However, the health risks of chemicals and exposure to the trace metals in Sulaimani city scientific laboratories has not received much attention from scientist. This study aimed to compare the trace metals (Pb, Cu, Ni, Fe, Zn, Cr, Mn) concentrations of the serum sample for the 25 exposed laboratory staff members of chemistry department, with 25 unexposed individuals consisted of healthy office employees and to assess the impact of occupational exposure on serum heavy and trace metal concentration. The serum samples were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results revealed that all exposed participant had elevated level of some trace and heavy metals. The statistical analysis shows a significant difference between the mean of serum metal concentrations of exposed staff and non-exposed control. Serum lead, copper, Nickel, Iron and Zinc concentrations of exposed staff were significantly higher compared with unexposed controls (P < 0.05), while chromium concentrations were significantly lower (P< 0.05). Moreover, Manganese serum concentrations remained unaltered. Regression results of the Lead (Pb) concentration indicate that the elevation of (Pb) serum content according to other parameters show a statistically significant effect for exposing time and using PPE parameters.