Title of article :
Effects of Low-level Occupational Exposure to Ammonia on Hematological Parameters and Kidney Function
Author/Authors :
Neghab, Masoud Department of Occupational Health Engineering - Research Center for Health Sciences - Institute of Health - School of Health - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Mirzaei, Ahmad Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Jalilian, Hamed Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Jahangiri, Mehdi Department of Occupational Health Engineering - Research Center for Health Sciences - Institute of Health - School of Health - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Zahedi, Jafar graduate , Yousefinejad, Saeed Department of Occupational Health Engineering - Research Center for Health Sciences - Institute of Health - School of Health - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz
Abstract :
Background: Many workers, particularly those working in manufacture of fertilizers, explosives,
rubber, pesticides, textiles, and employees of petrochemical industries are exposed to
ammonia in their workplaces. Toxic responses of hematopoietic system and kidney following
occupational exposure to this chemical have not been thoroughly investigated.
Objective: To determine the relationship between long-term occupational exposure to low
levels of ammonia and hematological parameters and kidney function.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 119 randomly selected, male petrochemical workers
and 131 office employees (comparison group) were examined. Urine and blood samples were
taken from all participants for urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC), serum calcium level,
and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and plasma creatinine. Personal, environmental, and peak ammonia
exposure were also measured.
Results: The median personal, environmental, and peak occupational exposure to ammonia
were 0.23, 0.16, and 65.50 mg/m3, respectively, among the exposed group. No significant
difference was observed between the exposed and unexposed participants in terms of hematological
parameters and urinalysis. Conversely, calcium and BUN, while within the normal
range, were significantly higher in the exposed than in the comparison group.
Conclusion: Occupational exposure to low atmospheric concentrations of ammonia was
associated with subtle, sub-clinical, pre-pathologic changes in kidney function. Possible longterm
consequences and ramifications of these effects require further investigation.
Keywords :
Ammonia , Hematology , Kidney diseases , Occupational exposure
Journal title :
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (IJOEM)