Effect of painting products on liver function, hematological markers, heavy metals and GSH levels among painters in Sulaimani city

Abstract

Occupational toxicity as a result of exposures to hazardous chemicals is common in industries using solvents based materials as well as in indoor environments, including painters, , where they exposed to volatile organic compounds. The present study was designed to evaluate health problems and metals-related toxicities among painters in Sulaimani city. A cross sectional study was performed on 35 male painters and twenty non-exposed healthy subjects were included as a control group. Venous blood samples were obtained and analyzed for hematology markers and the serum were utilized for estimation of liver enzyme activity, total bilirubin, serum levels of lead, chromium, and reduced glutathione. The results showed non-significant change in total serum bilirubin between the groups, while liver enzyme activities were significantly increased in the workers. The hematological markers showed a significant increase in Hb level in painters and no significant changes in hematocrit and platelet count between both groups. The data also showed a significant increase in total WBC in painters, and significant increase in the level of lead and non-significant increase in the level of chromium in painters. The level of GSH decreased significantly in painters. In conclusion, evaluation of occupational toxicity in painters in Sulaimani city did not reveal potential health hazards.