Abstract:

Heavy metals can be directly harmful to public health by entering the body through inhalation, dermal contact, and soil (via by herbal and animal products).This study aims to determine the levels of heavy metals ( zinc, lead, cadmium, chromium) and to measure level of superoxide dismutase antioxidant enzyme activity in serum and hair specimens of workers (n=50, research group) employed in petroleum products filling stations in Van province. The control group (n=25) was selected working in the office and compared with the research group. Heavy metal levels in hair and serum specimens were determined by using the inductively matched plasma optical emission spectrometry instrument and serum enzyme levels were determined by using spectrophotometric methods. Zinc, cadmium and chromium metal levels were higher in the research group than healthy controls; however the mean hair and serum Pb levels of the research group were found to be approximate quantities with the control group and it did not reach statistical significance (p>0.05) due to the use of unleaded fuel-95 in the petroleum stations included in the research. In addition, the SOD enzyme activity was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the research group than the controls due to metal exposure. Hair Pb, Cd and Cr metal levels of individuals in the research group over age 30 were higher than those of individuals in the research group under age 30, but only Pb metal level is significantly higher (p<0.05). Again serum Zn, Pb, Cd and Cr metal levels of research group over age 40 were higher than those of individuals in the research group under age 40 due to increased term of employment. The SOD enzyme activity in both research and control group was found to be lower in over 40-years-olds than under 30-years-olds. This study shows that workers employed in petroleum stations are exposed to heavy metal toxicity and cause oxidative stress.

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