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Health Risk Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Heavy Metals Among Green Space Workers in Iran Publisher



Abbaslou H1 ; Ahmadi Jalaldehi P1 ; Kalantary S1 ; Azam K2 ; Zanjani E3 ; Shahtaheri SJ1 ; Khadem M1
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Iran National Influenza Center (NIC), School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Toxicology and Industrial Health Published:2024


Abstract

Exposure to heavy metals can result in various adverse health effects. Tehran is rated as one of the world’s most polluted cities. Green space workers are continuously exposed to such pollutants in this city. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the health risks caused by exposure to heavy metals among green space workers. Eighty-eight workers and office personnel in two regions with different air quality levels were chosen for sampling. Air samples were collected using the NIOSH-7300 method and analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) instrument. The hazard quotient (HQ) and the lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) were calculated to assess carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk levels. The results revealed that the rank order of heavy metals was determined as Zn, Pb, Mn, Ni, Co, and Cd. Workers were subjected to higher concentrations of Ni, Pb, Zn, and Co than office personnel. Furthermore, the Cd, Co, and Zn exposure levels stood significantly higher in region 6 than in region 14. Non-carcinogenic risk levels for all participants fell within the acceptable range. Moreover, no employee had a carcinogenic risk level within the acceptable range when exposed to Cd. Also, 2.3% of individuals demonstrated Ni’s acceptable carcinogenic risk level. Owing unacceptable risk levels, proper interventions are required to minimize occupational exposure to heavy metals. These interventions include optimizing shift schedules, using personal protective equipment, and conducting regular health assessments. © The Author(s) 2024.
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