Evaluating length of service influence on biochemical and hematologic parameters in workers engaged into production of phthalic anhydride and fumaric acid

Abstract

Workers engaged into phthalic anhydride and fumaric acid production are exposed to combined occupational hazards: phthalic anhydride, maleic anhydrid, o-xylene, occupational noise, general and local vibration, heating microclimate, work hardiness. The work conditions are assessed as hazardous (class 3.2). With length of service over 5 years, serum concentration of o-xylene increased 1,5 times, that of fumaric acid - 1,2 times and phthalic acid - 3 times in major occupation workers of the studied production, if compared to the reference group with length of service under 5 years. Reliable dependence was seen between blood parameters (1,3 times increased reticolucytes), excretory and concentration function of bile ducts (1,2-1,3 tiimes increased general and direct bilirubin), antioxidant and oxidant processes (1,2 times increased MDA and AOA levels), nonspecific sensibilization (1,2 times increased lymphocytes and monocytes counts) and length of service in phthalic anhydride and fumaric acid production.