Oxidative Stress and Arsenic Exposure among Copper Smelters

Abstract

Copper is widely used in industry. It has been associated with several health hazards among exposed workers. Aim: to measure the indicators of oxidative stress as malondialdehyde level and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity and their association with copper and arsenic levels among copper smel=ter workers. Subjective and methods: This study was conducted on forty workers in a secondary copper smelting factory, who were occupationally exposed to copper. They were compared with forty non-exposed individuals. Full history, clinical examinations were done. Serum copper, serum arsenic, urinary arsenic, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase were measured. Environmental measurements of copper and arsenic dusts were carried out at different workplace areas. Results: Environmental measurements in the workplace were within the normal permissible limits in Egypt. Statistically significant differences were found between exposed and control as regards the prevalence of the respiratory and neurological symptoms. Compared to the control group, serum copper, serum arsenic, urinary arsenic and malondialdehyde blood levels were significantly higher among the exposed worker (P<0.01). Each one was positively correlated with the duration of employment. Superoxide dismutase activities in blood were significantly decreased and negatively correlated with the duration of employment. Conclusion: The disruption of hemostasis induced by oxidative stress may promote the development of health hazards with continued occupational exposure to copper fumes. Recommendation: Blood levels of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity can be used as indicators of oxidative stress among exposed workers.