Impact of Occupational Exposure on Hematological Indices and Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid Levels among Al-Basra Oil Refinery Workers

Israa M. Ali Alameen

Abstract

One of the main significant health challenges in industrial field Is the occupational exposure to petroleum derivatives and heavy metals, particularly among oil refineries workers. The most common issue is Lead exposure in such environments; it disrupts the heme biosynthesis and impairs renal function. Current study aimed to evaluate the impact of occupational exposure on hematological indices and Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid (ALAD) levels among workers at the Al- Basra Oil Refinery. Across-sectional study was conducted involving 118 participants; data were collected from the National Health Center, were workers used to perform their routine health screening, between August and November. The participants included refinery workers with varying exposure levels (Direct, Intermittent, and Indirect) and the control group was from the University of Technology. Blood and urine samples were analyzed CBC parameters, Creatinine, and ALAD levels. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, employing Kruskal-Wallis for non-parametric data, Two-Way ANOVA to examine the interaction between occupation and smoking, and Pearson’s Correlation to assess dose-response relationships. The results revealed that there is a significant effect of occupational status on ALAD levels (p = 0.002), the highest mean values observed in the intermittent exposure group (2.30 mg/L). Other hematological parameters such as (HGB, MCV, PLT) did not show any significant differences (p > 0.05), but there was a significant inverse correlation found between ALAD and Creatinine (r = -0.202, p = 0.028), and that indicates early renal physiological impact. Smoking was confirmed as a confounder for HGB but did not significantly affect ALAD levels (p = 0.795). Workers in Al-Basra oil refinery, exhibited a significant metabolic disruption, evidenced by elevated ALAD levels and altered renal-metabolic correlations.