Occupational Exposure to Lead, Nickel and Copper among Workers in Diyala State Company/Ministry of Industry and Minerals-Iraq.

Abstract

The objective of this study was assessment occupational exposure to Pb, Ni, and Cu metals of workers in Diyala state company. Eighty two blood samples were collected (58 blood samples from workers working in the Diyala State Company and 24 samples from control samples for employees who don’t relate with industrial emissions). Five ml. of venous blood was withdrawn for each sample. the concentration of Pb, Ni and Cu in the blood samples was determined by using the Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrometer(FLAAS). Depending on the years of work, high levels of Pb, Ni, and Cu in company workers than controls with significant differences (p<0.05). Where we noticed increase levels of Pb, Ni, and Cu with occupation period progression, where it is found the levels of Pb, Ni, and Cu scored highest mean within 21-34 occupation period, and least mean value at <1 occupation period . Based on occupational places, we noticed highest levels of Pb in Iron heart worker , Ni level was highest in painting worker , and Cu level was highest in wires worker and least of all metals was at controls. Depending on age stages, we showed increase levels of Pb, Ni, and Cu with age stages progression, where it is found the levels of Pb, Ni, and Cu scored highest mean within >50 age stage, while the least mean value of Pb, and Cu at 3-40 years age stage, and least mean value of Ni was at <30 age. Finally, we notices there is positive correlations among metals and workers age.