The effect of work environment on the biochemical profile of workers operating at the Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant

Abstract

This study explored biochemical parameters of blood in workers operating in the main workshops at the Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant: magnesium (Mg) workshop (furnace operator, chlorinator operator, and electrolyzer operator), titanium tetrachloride workshop (mill operator and titanium (Ti) production operator), and Ti sponge workshop (reduction furnace operator, knockout operator, and crushing machine operator). The control group consisted of 112 male workers, whose duties were not related to similar occupational hazards (plumbers, electricians, janitors cleaning the administrative building, security guards, and carpenters). The activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, cholinesterase, alkaline phosphate, and α-amylase and the concentration of serum calcium, Mg, phosphorus, and chloride ion were measured. To clarify the nature of pathological changes that occur in the body of mammals under the influence of toxic gases and dust, this study also included 130 sexually mature, white female rats. Animals and workers were exposed to examination of the same indicators. Changes in test results of enzymes and minerals indicated a negative impact that harmful production factors may have had on the bodies of workers. Findings showed significant fluctuations in enzyme and mineral blood profiles of workers as compared to controls. In the test animals, changes in the enzyme activity and mineral blood composition were as diverse as in the workers. These findings will be useful when identifying markers of a negative impact of harmful substances in an industrial workplace and when developing measures to prevent employees from developing an occupational disease.