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Effect of hexavalent chromium on hematological parameters in chrome plating workers

November 2016

November 2016

Authors:

Muhammad Ateeq Qureshi

Sarhad University of Science & IT

: Hematological Parameters in blood of electroplating workers exposed to lead

…

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Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 2016; 4(6): 247-248

E-ISSN: 2320-7078

P-ISSN: 2349-6800

JEZS 2016; 4(6): 247-248

Received: 03-09-2016

Accepted: 04-10-2016

Muhammad Ateeq

Department of Microbiology,

Kohat University of Science and

Technology, Pakistan

Hameed Ur Rehman

Department of Chemistry,

Kohat University of Science and

Technology,Kohat, Pakistan

Shehzad Zareen

Department of Zoology,

Kohat University of Science and

Technology, Pakistan

Farman Ullah Khan

Department of Microbiology,

Kohat University of Science and

Technology, Pakistan

Abdul Rehman

Department of Chemistry,

Kohat University of Science and

Technology, Pakistan

Bushra Zahoor

Department of Chemistry,

Kohat University of Science and

Technology, Pakistan

Naeem Mahmood

Department of Chemistry,

Kohat University of Science and

Technology, Pakistan

Nur Lisa Hidayati

Department of Chemistry faculty

of Mathematic and Natural

Sciences University of Sriwijaya.

Jalan Raya Palembang

Prabumulih km 35 Indralaya

Ogan Ilir 30661

Kausar Saeed

Department of Zoology,

Abdul Wali Khan University,

Buner Campus Mardan

Correspondence

Muhammad Ateeq

Department of Microbiology,

Kohat University of Science and

Technology, Pakistan

Effect of hexavalent chromium on hematological

parameters in chrome plating workers

Muhammad Ateeq, Hameed Ur Rehman, Shehzad Zareen, Farman Ullah

Khan, Abdul Rehman, Bushra Zahoor, Naeem Mahmood, Nur Lisa

Hidayati and Kausar Saeed

Abstract

The present work was aimed to find out the toxic Chromium which is widely used in the chrome plating.

In this study, 220 chrome plating workers from Lahore industrial areas with age ranging from 20 to 35

were selected for the assessment of health risks. A control group of 110 individuals from the same age

without chromium exposure ware also selected. A total of 220 chrome plating workers with age ranging

20-35, were included. Hexavalent chromium was significantly higher among all the workers as compared

to controls. White blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular

hemoglobin (MCH), and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly (p<0.001) lower in exposed

groups I and II than control.

Keywords: Chrome plating, white blood cells, red blood cells, hexavalent chromium, hemoglobin

1. Introduction

Chrome plating workers are exposed to many physical and chemical hazards. Chrome plating

includes many processes with different exposures, which can be hazardous for the health of the

workers [1]. Chromium may enter the body by breathing or through direct skin contact;

therefore, workers are taking mainly in Cr (VI) form exposed to this element [2]. As chromium

is an irritant, it can cause perforations in the nasal septum, respiratory problems, dermatitis,

gastrointestinal, hepatic and renal impairments [3-4]. Several toxic effects are associated with

exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds, including increased incidence of certain

cancers, toxic towards living cells, tissue and organisms [5-6]. The aim of the research work was

to find out the effect of hexavalent chromium on hematological parameters in chrome plating

workers, Khyber pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

2. Materials and Methods

In this study of 220electroplating workers from the Lahore industrial area, Punjab province,

Pakistan with age ranging from 20 to 35 were selected for the assessment of health risks.

Hexavalent chromium was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption

spectrophotometer Perkin Elmer model 700 (Perkin Elmer, CA, USA). Hematological

parameters were determined at the department of Biochemistry, Fatima Jinnah medical

college, Lahore by using the Sysmex model KX-21 automated hematology analyzer.

3. Results

About 220 individuals were included in this study along with the prior consent. All the

individuals were grouped into different age groups ranging from 20 to 50 years old. All the

workers were exposed to hexavalent chromium, which is considered a major health hazard.

The levels of hexavalent chromium in erythrocytes of the exposed and control groups are

shown in table 1. Chrome workers in group I (aged 20-35, 1-10 years exposure) and group II

(aged 36-50, 11-20 years exposure) showed significantly higher blood Cr levels than that of

controls. Chrome plating workers in age group II were more effected and showed higher

chromium concentration as compared to group I and control. From the results it is clear that no

definite pattern has been observed in different hematological parameters. The difference

observed in various parameters was mostly insignificant. White blood cells (WBCs), red blood

cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and packed cell

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Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies

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volume (PCV) was significant (p<0.001) lower in exposed

groups I and II than control (Table 1). Electroplating workers

in group II with longer duration of chromium exposure were

most affected and showed lower WBCs, RBCs, Hb, MCH,

PCV levels than that of group I and unexposed population.

This showed that the duration of exposure has a significant

effect on hematological parameters of workers.

Table 1: Hematological Parameters in blood of electroplating workers exposed to lead

20-35 years 36-50 years

Controls Workers

(exposed group I) t-statistic Controls Workers

(exposed group II) t-statistic

Cr (VI) µg/l 0.673±0.043 3.92±0.25 8.45* 0.685±0.08 4.14±0.23 7.31*

WBC x103/µl 9.60±0.96 8.543±0.91 6.19* 9.22±1.03 8.373±0.747 5.16*

RBC x106/µl 5.17±0.27 4.46±0.31 13.24* 5.061±0.32 4.12±0.530 11.72*

ESR mm/hr 7.56±1.59 7.25±1.17 1.24 8.15±1.85 7.90±1.51 0.82

Hemoglobin (g/dl) 14.48±0.71 10.409±0.733 30.78* 14.25±1.00 10.02±1.14 21.64*

MCH (pg) 28.61±1.45 26.38±1.48 8.35* 28.02±1.44 25.91±1.50 7.86*

MCHC (g/dl) 29.09±1.55 28.62±2.74 1.15 29.35±1.52 28.89±2.32 1.28

PCV % 44.57±1.35 43.24±1.60 4.96* 45.07±1.23 42.62±2.00 8.08*

MCV (fl) 85.08±1.35 82.24±1.73 10.03* 85.74±1.35 81.87±1.52 14.79*

Pltx103/µl 260.58±1.99 259.91±3.28 1.35 252.65±3.91 251.90±4.47 0.98

*Values are significant at p<0.001n = 220

5. Discussion

Hexavalent chromium compound is a strong oxidizing agent

and can lead to health hazards. In chrome plating, workers are

occupationally exposed to hexavalent chromium, which has

shown toxic effect on health. The decrease in RBCs and

WBCs levels in chrome plating workers may be due to the

chromium induced erythrocyte damage or reduction in red

cell glutathione leading to increase free radical which causes

cell death [7-8]. It has been reported that reduction in

hemoglobin level might be due to the effect of toxic pollutants

on hematopoietic system which may cause an anemic

condition in human [9]. It has been documented that low WBC

count has been associated with severe neutropenia [10]. In

addition, microcytic and hypochromic anemia has been

observed by a decrease in concentration in MCH, hemoglobin

and RBC count. With the protection of gloves, apron and

boots, the respiratory system is the main way through which

hexavalent chromium was absorbed into the body. Therefore,

chromium compounds may be the main source of metal

exposure for chrome plating workers and the major

contributor to hematological defects.

6. Conclusion

Our data demonstrated the fact that occupational exposure to

hexavalent chromium induces hematological defects in

chrome plating workers. The workers should be encouraged

to follow the health protection procedures and strictly observe

workplace safety rules to minimize the toxic effect of

hexavalent chromium.

7. References

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and gases: Copenhagen 18-21, February, 1985. Int Arch

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8. Ateeq M, Fawad A. Lipid Peroxidation and Biochemical

Abnormalities in Tannery Workers exposed to

Hexavalent Chromium. RJB, 2016; 11(7):75-82.

9. Ateeq M, Khurshid R, Khan I, Shaheen A. Effect of

Heavy Metals from Tannery Effluent on the Soil and

Groundwater using Multivariate Analysis in District

Sheikhupura, Pakistan. Res. J Chem. Environ. 2015;

19(1):48-55.

10. Ateeq M, Zareen S, Rehman HU. Occupational allergic

contact dermatitis in tannery workers: an underestimated

health issue. JEZS. 2016; 4(5):310-312.

ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis in tannery workers of Peshawar KP Pakistan: An under estimated health issue

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Our aim was to investigate the adverse effects of occupational exposure to trivalent chromium. We measured chromium and iron levels in serum and urine and hemoglobin levels in tannery workers and unexposed persons. We studied three groups of subjects. Group 1 included 15 non-smoking male tannery workers highly exposed to chromium from tanning and retanning departments. Group 2 included 14 non-smoking male tannery workers with moderate chromium exposure from dying, drying and finishing departments. Group 3 included 11 healthy, non-smoking male subjects without direct chromium exposure. Higher serum chromium levels were observed in groups 1 and 2 with respect to group 3 (mean values respectively: 0.43; 0.25 and 0.13 microg x l(-1)). Urine chromium levels in group 1 were higher than those in controls (mean values: 1.78 and 1.35 microg x l(-1)). In group 1 an inverse association was found between serum chromium and urine iron (-0.524), urine chromium and hemoglobin (-0.594) and between the urine chromium to iron ratio and hemoglobin (-0.693, p<0.05). The results suggest a chromium adverse effect on iron metabolism, possibly associated with excessive body chromium accumulation. In conclusion, chromium urine test could be recommended for diagnosis of chromium adverse effect on iron metabolism. Further studies are needed to quantify the relationship between urine chromium and hemoglobin metabolism.

Lipid Peroxidation and Biochemical Abnormalities in Tannery Workers exposed to Hexavalent Chromium

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Jul 2016
RES J BIOTECHNOL

Chromate salts are extensively used in tanning industries; the oxidation process, high temperature and pH in tanning environment converts the Cr (III) into chromium (VI) which is more carcinogenetic and toxic for genetic material in cell free system. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether exposure to hexavalent chromium induces lipid peroxidation and biochemical abnormalities in tannery workers. Chromium level in erythrocytes was determined by by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that blood chromium level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001) while the level of glutathione (GSH) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in exposed groups compared with control group. The values of liver function tests of tannery workers were found to be within the normal range in all age groups except for the albumin content and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity. AP activity was significantly higher in both the exposed groups I and II. Albumin level was lowered in both the exposed groups I and II. The present study revealed that prolonged exposure to hexavalent chromium is likely to induce lipid peroxidation and biochemical abnormalities in tannery workers.

Effect of Heavy Metals from Tannery Effluent on the Soil and Groundwater using Multivariate Analysis in District Sheikhupura, Pakistan

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Feb 2015

The water resources are depleting due to intrusion of industrial pollution. The leather tanning is the major contamination causing industry which uses a lot of water and discharges it with toxic effluents. The penetration of heavy metals from tannery effluent has toxic effect on soil and groundwater. There was strong positive significant correlation between all the heavy metals in three media, tannery effluent, soil and ground water (P < 0.001). The metal to metal association was supported by dendrograms using cluster analysis. The principal component analysis identified the metals source, 48.8% variations in factor 1 have significant loading for sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) of tannery effluent-based process. In soil and groundwater the metals have significant loading in factor 1 representing more than half of the total variation with 51.3 % and 53.6 % respectively which showed that pollutants in soil and water were driven by tannery effluent. The cumulative Eigen values for the three media were also found to be greater than 1 representing significant clustering of related metal. The results showed that heavy metals from tannery process are toting up toxic trace metals in the soil and ground water. The poisonous pollutants from heavy metals turned the fresh resources of ground water into unusable water. The availability of fresh water for irrigation and domestic use is being alarming and as a result bio-accumulation of heavy metals in edible plants and vegetables causes contamination of the food chain which is a severe threat to human health.

Occupational chronic exposure to metals. I. Chromium exposure of stainless steel welders--biological monitoring

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External and internal chromate exposure of 103 stainless steel welders who were using manual metal are welding (MMA), metal inert gas welding (MIG) and both methods, were measured by ambient and biological monitoring. At the working places the maximum chromium trioxide concentrations were 80 micrograms/m3. The median values were 4 micrograms/m3 (MMA) and 10 micrograms/m3 (MIG). The median chromium concentrations in erythrocytes, plasma and urine of all welders were less than 0.60, 9.00 and 32.50 micrograms/l. For biological monitoring purposes, chromium levels in erythrocytes and simultaneously in plasma seem to be suitable parameters. According to our results, chromium levels in plasma and urine in the order of 10 and 40 micrograms/l seem to correspond to an external exposure of 100 micrograms chromium trioxide per cubic metre, the technical guiding concentration (TRK-value). Chromium concentrations in erythrocytes greater than 0.60 micrograms/l indicate an external chromate exposure greater than the TRK-value.

Nasal septum lesions caused by chromium exposure among chromium electroplating workers

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A chromium electroplating worker, suffering from epistaxis during work, was found to have nasal septum perforation. To determine the etiology and prevalence of nasal septum lesions, we conducted a survey of seven chromium electroplating factories and examined 79 workers. Forty workers from three aluminum electroplating factories were also enrolled as the reference group. Subjects were thoroughly examined by an otolaryngologist and each of them provided a blood and urine sample. A questionnaire interview regarding symptoms of the upper respiratory tract, past medical history, life style, and work history was also conducted. Air chromium concentrations were measured by taking area samples for 4-6 hours. Based on field observation and chromium measurements, we divided chromium electroplating into three different exposure zones: workers directly dealing with electroplating tanks (n = 31), other process workers (n = 29), and office workers and drivers (n = 19). Among the 79 chromium electroplating workers, there were 16 cases of nasal septum perforation, and 42 with either scar formation or ulceration; 10 chromium electroplating workers developed skin ulcers after performing chrome plating. No workers from aluminum electroplating factories had any nasal septum or skin abnormalities. There was a consistent trend between the degree of chromium exposure and the signs and symptoms related to the nose, throat, and skin. Immediate improvement of occupational hygiene is warranted.

Investigation of the threshold for allergic reactivity to chromium

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Allergy to chromium is relatively common, often in association with exposure to cement or in leather manufacture. However, in certain locations, there appears to be a relatively large cohort of chromium-sensitive individuals whose allergy cannot be explained by these common sources. In particular, this group include Israeli housewives with persistent hand eczema and concomitant patch test positivity to chromium. The causation of their allergy has been linked with relatively high levels of chromium contamination in household products. To provide further information in respect of the definition of safe levels for such products, we examined 17 chromium-allergic individuals to determine their threshold for reaction under closed patch test and repeated open application test (ROAT) conditions. The data derived indicated that, on normal skin, the patch test threshold was 10 ppm chromium; in the presence of an irritant (sodium lauryl sulfate) the threshold was closer to 1 ppm, 2/17 subjects giving 1+ reactions at this concentration. In the more realistic exposure conditions of the ROAT, 8/14 individuals failed to react to 50 ppm, whilst 3/15 reacted to 5 ppm. Interestingly, there was very poor correlation between patch test sensitivity and ROAT sensitivity. To ensure the large majority of chromium-allergic individuals do not suffer elicitation of their allergy, as well as to limit the development of new chromium-sensitive subjects, it is recommended that household products adhere to a previously published standard of a maximum limit of 5 ppm, with an ultimate target of 1 ppm contamination by chromium.

Mortality among chrome leather tannery workers: An update

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Aug 2003

Frank B Stern

Employees engaged in the tanning and finishing of leather are potentially exposed to numerous carcinogens. A previous mortality study among 9,352 workers from two chrome tanneries has been updated with the addition of 11 years of vital status and work history follow-up and 1,153 new deaths. Ninety-two different causes of death were analyzed using a modified life-table approach. Death rates from both the United States and the states in which the tanneries were located were used as the comparison populations in calculating cause-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). The mortality risks from all causes and from all cancers were lower than the expected for the combined cohort. Analyzing the two tanneries separately, no a priori cause of death (i.e., cancer of the lung, pancreas, bladder, kidney, testes, nasal cavity, lymphoma, or soft-tissue sarcoma) was shown to be significantly elevated. An exception was lung cancer at one tannery when state death rates were used (SMR=130, P<0.01). Analyzing by duration of employment, no significant trend in any cause of death at either tannery was revealed. Some studies have shown elevated risks for various site-specific causes of cancer; however, sites in excess are not consistent between studies. The differences may have been due to distinct processes used by the tanneries resulting in varying levels, as well as different types, of exposures.

International conference on health hazards and biological effects of welding fumes and gases: Copenhagen 18-21

Feb 1985
INT ARCH OCC ENV HEA
237-246

R M Stern
A Berlin
A Fletcher

Stern RM, Berlin A, Fletcher A. International conference on health hazards and biological effects of welding fumes and gases: Copenhagen 18-21, February, 1985. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 1986; 57:237-46.