Changes in biochemical parameters in workers exposed to chemical production factors (heptane and hexane)

Abstract

Introduction. Long-term constant exposure to certain representatives of aliphatic hydrocarbons during the extraction and processing of potash ore can lead to pathological changes on critical organs and systems in production workers. The study aims to evaluate the change in biochemical parameters in workers exposed to chemical production factors (heptane and hexane). Materials and methods. The study of the content of hexane, heptane in the air of the working area and the urine of workers, the establishment of changes in several biochemical (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, glutamyltransferase, epinephrine, and norepinephrine) and general clinical (eosinophils, neutrophils and the eosinophilia index) indicators, modeling of cause-and-effect relationships. Results. Specialists found in the observation group relative to the comparison group: increased levels of heptane and hexane in the urine up to 1.7 times; increased levels of adrenaline and norepinephrine in the blood plasma up to 1.8 times, up to 1.4 times ALAT and γ-GT in the blood serum, up to 1.9 times neutrophils in the nasal secretions associated with increased concentrations of heptane and hexane in the urine; an increase of up to 4.4 times in the frequency of diseases of the nervous system, respiratory organs, and digestion. Conclusions. In the air of the working area of the workers of the flotation shop of the sylvinite processing plant, the concentrations of the studied limit hydrocarbons were below the detection limit; there is an increased concentration of heptane and hexane in the urine. In the workers of the studied production, an increase of 1.4-1.8 times in the level of adrenaline and norepinephrine in blood plasma, 1.2-1.4 times in ALAT and γ-GT in blood serum, 1.9 times in the content of neutrophils in nasal secretions, which characterizes adverse effects from the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems. We proved the dependence of the increased frequency of diseases of the listed organs and systems on the increased concentration of heptane in the urine (R2=0.26-0.43; p=0.0001-0.028).