Health effects of some air quality indices in blood parameters in the photocopier workers

Department of Ecology and Pollution, Faculty of Science, University of Kufa, Al-Najaf, Iraq

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Abstract

Copier inks are considered hazardous chemical pollutants that affect the health of workers in the workplace. Increased exposure to printer ink, which contains carbon black, aromatic hydrocarbons, waxes such as polyethylene, and other substances, can cause negative health effects, such as coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat or nose, and damage to the respiratory and nervous systems. In this study, air quality parameters in the workplace and complete blood counts were measured in workers exposed to printer ink. The results of the air quality index study show significant differences in average values between different locations. Regarding hematological parameters in workers, levels of hemoglobin were measured. Differences in corpuscular volume and corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were also significant. No significant differences were observed in red and white blood cell counts, which remained constant. The results indicated an age-related difference in red blood cell count, platelet count, and mean corpuscular volume. The hematological parameters based on working hours and exposure period were detected. The current study concluded that despite countries’ efforts to find safer or alternative methods to using copying inks containing emitted chemicals, companies still use ink in printers without safe preventative methods.