Evaluation of the Smoking Factor in the Blood of Workers in Diyala State Company and its Relationship to Heavy Metals (Lead, Nickel and Copper)

Abstract

Environmental pollution of heavy metals is becoming an increasing problem and has become a major concern due to the adverse effects it causes worldwide. Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that have a high atomic weight and a density at least five times greater than water. It’s a multiple industrial, domestic, agricultural, medical and technological applications have led to its widespread use in the environment; Raising concerns about their potential effects on human health and the environment. The aim of the current study is Evaluation the relationship between the smoking factor in the blood of workers in Diyala State Company and to the percentage of the heavy metals such as lead (Pb), nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) . This study was conducted for the period from 1/10/2021 to 1/3/2022, Eighty two blood samples were collected (58 blood samples from workers working in the Diyala State Company affiliated to the Ministry of Industry and Minerals, while, 24 control samples were from control samples for employees who don’t working with industrial emissions).The workers were divided into three groups based on the location work inside the station, sector (A) represented painter workers, sector (B) characterized the workers specialized in the copper coil of the electrical transformer, while sector (C) represented the iron core section of the electrical transformer. Five ml. of venous blood was taken for each sample. The concentration of Pb, Ni and Cu in the blood samples were determined by using the Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (FLAAS). The results of the intensive study showed the presence of high levels of lead, nickel and copper in smokers and non-smokers workers within the profession compared to control samples during the service period, with significant differences (P < 0.05). The results showed increasing levels of lead, nickel and copper with the progression of the service life, and the elements (lead, nickel and copper) recorded the highest average during the service period of 21-34, The painting worker showed high level of Ni while, Cu level peaked in wires worker . Based on age periods, elements levels (Pb, Ni, and Cu) were increased with age period progression, where it is found the levels of Pb, Ni, and Cu scored highest mean within >50 age period, while the least mean value of Pb, and Cu at 3-40 years age period, and least mean value of Ni was at <30 age. Finally, the results discovered there is positive correlations among metals and worker’s age.