| Abstrakt: |
Brick kilns and their occupational hazards are an extremely less studied area of research. Hence, this study carried out to investigate the health effects of air pollution on the exposure individuals (workers in and residents around) to the clay brick kilns of two districts (Al-Hay and Badra) in Wasit province, Iraq. Totally 200 (150 exposures, and 50 controls) blood samples were collected during November/2018 to May/2019, and tested to detect the levels of heavy metals (HMs) [cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)], antioxidant enzymes [catalase (KatA), superoxide dismutase (SODs), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] and malondialdehyde (MDA). The findings of both districts were revealed on significant increases (P<0.05) in levels of Cd in tested sera of adults (Females and males), but not children (P>0.05) of exposure group when compared to control group. Regarding to Pb, significant increases (P<0.05) were seen in adults and children of Al-Hay, as well as in adults but not children of Badra (P>0.05). In both districts, the results of exposure group were showed significant decreases (P<0.05) in levels of KatA, SODs, GPx, and significant increases (P<0.05) in levels of MDA. However, the findings of adults and children as well as females and males were showed significant differences (P<0.05) in their values. Significant decreases (P<0.05) in RBCs count and Hb concentration of exposure group comparing to control group were confirmed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
