Blood Naphthalene Levels in Auto-Mechanics and Spray Painters
Author Information
Author(s): Kamal Atif, Qayyum Mazhar, Cheema Iqbal U, Rashid Audil
Primary Institution: Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate blood naphthalene levels as an indicator of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) among auto-mechanics and spray painters.
Conclusion
Poor workplace hygiene and long work hours significantly increase the risk of chemical exposure among workers.
Supporting Evidence
- Blood NAPH levels were significantly higher among mechanics compared to spray painters and control groups.
- Smoking was found to enhance exposure risks several fold.
- Poor workplace hygiene and ventilation were significant predictors of exposure.
- Long work hours were associated with increased blood NAPH levels.
Takeaway
Workers like mechanics and painters can get sick from breathing in harmful chemicals at work, especially if they don't keep their work areas clean.
Methodology
Sixty blood samples were collected from auto-mechanics, spray painters, and a control group, and analyzed using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Potential Biases
None of the workers were equipped with protective equipment, which may bias the exposure assessment.
Limitations
The study did not include non-smoker subjects to separate the effects of smoking from occupational exposure.
Participant Demographics
All participants were male, with low education levels and poor socio-economic backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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