Chronic exposure to emissions from photocopiers in copy shops causes oxidative stress and systematic inflammation among photocopier operators in India
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Date
2013
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Abstract
Background: We assessed indoor air quality in photocopier centers and investigated whether occupational
exposure to emissions from photocopiers is associated with decline in lung function or changes in haematological
parameters, oxidative stress and inflammatory status.
Methods: Indoor air quality was monitored in five photocopier centers. Pulmonary function was assessed by
spirometry in 81 photocopier operators (64 male and 17 female) and 43 healthy control (31 male and 12 female)
subjects. Hematological status, serum thio-barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total ferric reducing
antioxidant capacity (FRAC), leukotriene (LT3.,), 8-isoprostane, C reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 8 (IL-8), data
cell protein (CC-16), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) were
analyzed. Relationships between cumulative exposure, lung function and inflammatory markers were assessed.
Results: PMio and PM;,.s were above the permissible levels in all the photocopier centers, whereas the levels of
carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, sulphur dioxide, lead, arsenic, nickel, ammonia, benzene and benzo(a)
pyrene were within Indian ambient air quaiity standards. Lung furiction was similar in the photocopier operators
and control subjects. Serum TBARS was significantly higher and FRAC was lower among photocopier operators
when compared to healthy controls. Plasma IL-8, LTB^, ICAM-1 and ECP were significantly higher in the photocopier
exposed groui:.'.
Conclusions: Photocopiers emit hign of part culate matter. Long term exposure to emissions from
photocopiers was not associated witn decreased lung function, but resulted in high oxidative stress and systemic
inflammation leading to high risk of cardiov.ascuiar diseases.