Abstract
Industrial pollution from steel remanufacture is a major source of particulate matter, heavy metals, and toxic pollutants that can cause systemic oxidative stress and negative effects on multiple organs. This study observed the effects of occupational exposure on physiological, biochemical, haematological, and oxidative stress parameters among steel remanufacturing workers in Erbil City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
A case-control study enrolled 100 men (25-35 years old), comprising 75 steel workers (exposed group) and 25 healthy controls (control group) who lived outside industrial areas. Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were taken, and blood samples were tested for liver and kidney function, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), complete blood count (CBC), and oxidative stress indicators.
Exposed workers had significantly higher systolic (SYS) and diastolic blood pressure (DIA) and heart rate (HR) compared to the control group, as well as lower forced vital capacity (FVC) and oxygen saturation (SpO₂). Biochemically, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TSB), urea, BUN, uric acid (UA), total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL-C), Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL-C), FBS, and HbA1c levels increased considerably, whereas High-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) levels declined significantly (p< 0.05). Haematological measurements showed considerable changes in various indices. The oxidative stress markers Malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were considerably higher, whereas Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was decreased, indicating increased lipid peroxidation, oxidative DNA damage, and low antioxidant defence among exposed workers.
Workers with≥4 years of employment showed increases in blood pressure, liver enzymes, renal indicators, lipid profile, HbA1c, MDA, and 8-OHdG levels compared to those with <4 years of exposure. Furthermore, SOD activity was lowered in the ≥4-year group, indicating a significant exposure-duration-dependent decrease in antioxidant capacity. These data point to a cumulative and progressive influence of industrial contaminants on systemic health.
In conclusion, occupational exposure in the remanufacture of steel is linked with several changes, including physiological, metabolic imbalance, haematological changes, and pronounced oxidative stress, the severity of which is highly determined by exposure time. These findings underline the critical need for improved occupational health surveillance and preventive steps to reduce long-term health effects for industrial workers.
