Abstract
Objective
Copper smelter workers are exposed to harmful chemical agents in dust and fumes which contain harmful metals such as copper and arsenic. These substances are known to be respiratory irritants.
Methods
This study aimed at investigating the effect of occupational exposure to copper and arsenic on the respiratory system. A group of 75 male exposed workers, and 75 male administrative employees (control group) were recruited from a secondary copper smelting factory.
Full history, complete clinical examination, ventilatory function parameters (FVC, FEV1, FVC/FEV1 and FEF), and chest X-ray were done for both groups. Serum levels of ICAM-1 and IL8 (as markers of epithelial injury) were measured by ELISA. Serum copper and arsenic were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
Results
The exposed group was associated with increased respiratory symptoms, higher serum copper, arsenic, and ICAM-1and Il-8 as compared to the control group. There was a significant decrease in ventilatory parameters among the exposed group: 58.7% of the exposed group had restrictive lung impairment, 40% had obstructive impairment. In the exposed group a positive correlation between serum copper, arsenic and serum ICAM and IL8 was found. While a negative correlation was observed between both serum ICAM, IL8 and ventilatory parameters among the exposed group. Moreover, 36% of the exposed group had radiological infiltrates on chest X.ray.
Conclusion
Occupational exposure to copper and arsenic was associated with ventilatory and radiological impairment, with a corresponding increase in the serum level of ICAM-1 and IL8, which can be used as biomarkers for pulmonary impairment among copper smelter workers.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank all the studied groups who generously agreed to participate and also the administrators of the factory who facilitated access to the study group.
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This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. The authors MAR and MMF designed and performed the study and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. The author MAR managed the analyses of the study. The authors MAR and MMF designed the patient files and managed the literature searches. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Fouad, M.M., Ramadan, M.A. Serum intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and interleukin-8 as predictors of pulmonary impairment among workers in secondary copper smelters. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 95, 365–375 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-021-01770-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-021-01770-3