White Blood Cell Indices and Health Parameters of Workers in Industrial and Urban Areas

Abstract

Background. Working far from urban domains exposes workers to harsh environmental hazards like air pollutants and harmful byproduct emissions. Site workers often are exposed to harmful agents and may suffer from dangerous health disorders. The aim of this study is to estimate the hazard level posed by these conditions through clinical examination of assays taken at the State Company of Fertilizers, Southern Region, in the Basra governorate of the city of Iraq. Methods. A study was conducted on 35 workers from both the State Company of Fertilizers (Southern Region) and Basrah University. The study involved an inquiry into the occupational history, chronic illnesses, and smoking habits of participants, along with a physical examination of arterial blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and oxygen saturation (SpO2). A complete blood picture (CBP) test was given to all study participants to obtain WBCs, while serum was assessed for liver (ALT) and (AST). Results. The study showed a higher incidence of hypertension and diabetes among urban workers than among industrial workers, while 14% more industrial workers underwent surgical operations and 29% had fillings of dental caries and showed a non-significant rise in body temperature when compared with urban workers. Industrial employees had a highly significant increase (P≤0.001) in systolic blood pressure. Both groups of workers had uniformly decreased monocyte levels, while total WBCs and granulocytes were non-uniformly distributed, except for lymphocytes. Data showed a highly significant decrease (p≤0.005) in the monocytes of industrial workers, while a general decrease was present in all other WBC parameters, though with no statistical significance (P≥0.05). Liver function tests showed abnormalities in 42% of the industrial workers (ALT 36 U/L), while 92.8% were suggestive of chronic hepatitis or steatosis due to a ratio of less than 1 in AST : ALT levels. Conclusion. Decreased WBCs (leukopenia) and health problems, along with markers of liver dysfunction, are potential health hazards faced by workers in the fertilizer industry. Maintenance and site equipment engineers had recurrent longterm exposure to ammonia gases and toxic environmental agents. The findings of this clinical surveillance are significant; however, studying the etiological factors and subsequent pathogenicity remains necessary. Keywords: White blood cell indices, industrial, urban