Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon, Haematological and Oxidative Stress Levels in Commercial Photocopier Operators In Lagos, Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Human exposure to hazardous substances in the environment has been known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of some diseases. Photocopying machines have become a cheap source of self-employment in Nigeria. For obvious reasons the highest level of patronage is encountered in the campuses of educational institutions. However, the persons who operate the machines are always exposed to possible hazards associated with the job without protective devices.


OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the levels of oxidative stress, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and haematological parameters in blood samples of photocopier operators.


METHODS
The experimental procedure involved 50 consented subjects selected based on some criteria. The haematological parameters, oxidative stress and PAH levels were determined using standard methods.


RESULTS
The results showed no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) in the haematological parameters between the test subjects and the controls. However, there were duration on the job (yrs) dependent significant decrease in the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) of the photocopier operators compared with the controls (> 5 years p≤ 0.0001; 4-5 years p≤0.001). The level of reduced glutathione (GSH) was significantly decreased across all lengths of duration on the job compared with the controls.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings in this study revealed increased level of oxidative stress in photocopier operators with no significant change in haematological parameters. The health implication of operating photocopiers call for quick health education and intervention tailored to monitoring and guiding the photocopier operators. This will help to prevent or manage continuous exposure to the hazards of photocopying machines.
Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba Campus, PMB 12003, Lagos, Nigeria.
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Awodele
Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba Campus, PMB 12003, Lagos, Nigeria.
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Akindele
Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba Campus, PMB 12003, Lagos, Nigeria.
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Adebowale
Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba Campus, PMB 12003, Lagos, Nigeria.
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Adeyemi
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003308:Copying Processes; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005978:Glutathione / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000097:blood*; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000097:blood; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D005978:Glutathione
Nigeria; PAH; Photocopier operators; haematology; oxidative stress