Heavy Metal Exposure of Workers Working at Petroleum Products Filling Stations and Its Effects on Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Petroleum products increase oxidative stress and inflammation due to its particulate content. This study aims to determine the levels of heavy metals (zinc, lead, cadmium, chromium) and to measure level of reduced glutathione and enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase in serum and hair specimens of workers (n=50, research group) employed in petroleum products filling stations in Van province. The control group (n=25) was selected working in the office and compared with the research group. Heavy metal levels in hair and serum specimens were determined by using the inductively matched plasma optical emission spectrometry instrument and serum enzyme levels were determined by using spectrophotometric methods. Zinc, lead, cadmium and chromium metal levels were higher in the research group than healthy controls. In addition, reduced glutathione level and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity decreased due to metal exposure and oxidative stress occurred in the research group. Smoking contributed to the exposure of amount of the metals. In research group, positive correlations were found between metal exposures and life span/term of employment. In addition, with the increased life span and term of employment, metal exposure increased and antioxidant enzyme levels decreased. This study shows that workers employed in stations are exposed to heavy metal toxicity and cause oxidative stress.