CHANGES IN HEMATOLOGICAL INDICES AMONG WORKERS IN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Introduction: Workers in automotive industry are exposed to a variety of chemicals, especially heavy metals, degreasers, lubricants, metal cleaners, benzene, solvents, welding fumes and car exhausts. Many chemicals to which automotive industry workers are occupationally exposed, including heavy metals and organic solvents are haematotoxic. Several hematological indices such as hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs) have been used to assess the functional status of the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and also as indicators of exposure to heavy metals. Aim of Work: To study the changes in hematological indices among welders and spray-painters in automotive industry due to workplace exposures. Materials and Methods: The two exposed groups included 30 welders and 32 spray-painters in an automobile manufacturing factory in Helwan, Cairo. The non-exposed group included 44 administrative workers in the same factory. The three groups (2 exposed and one none exposed) were subjected to a questionnaire including medical and occupational histories and laboratory investigations: blood lead level, serum manganese level and complete blood count. Results: Statistically significant higher levels of blood lead and serum manganese were found among the exposed groups. Lymphocytes percentage was significantly lower among welders compared to the control. Hemoglobin was significantly lower among spray-painters compared to the control group. Platelet distribution width (PDW) was significantly higher among spray-painters compared to welders and control groups. The total leukocytes, mid-range cells (MID) and granulocytes counts showed a statistically significant positive correlation with blood lead level among spray-painters. Platelet count and plateletcrit (PCT) showed statistically significant positive correlation with serum manganese level among welders. Conclusion and Recommendations: Workplace exposures among welders and spray-painters in automotive industry may affect some hematological parameters and indices. Biomonitoring of lead, manganese levels in blood and regular CBC should be done for workers in automotive industry