Investigating the Impact of Indoor Air Pollutants on Allergies and Eczema in Craftspeople

¹ Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
² Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq

^* Corresponding author: mohammedj.alhayderi@uokufa.edu.iq

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between exposure to air pollutants in various industries and the occurrence of blood abnormalities and allergic conditions to achieve this we performed comprehensive blood counts and occupational air quality tests. Blood samples were collected from participants in five occupations: bakers, carpenters, blacksmiths, painters, dyers, and construction workers. These projects were selected because of their potential to handle various air pollutants. Blood tests were then performed for five major parameters including immunoglobulin E (IgE), white cell count (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and neutrophils (Neu), lymphocytes (Lym), in addition to blood tests we also measured air quality in it stakeholders workplaces. This will likely require monitoring specific pollutants known to be relevant to each project, including: PM10 and PM2.5, formaldehyde, VOC, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde was the highest, and VOC, bakers and artisans had CO₂ and CO levels above permissible limits, construction workers had the highest levels of PM2.5. Blood tests showed abnormalities in several areas, the baker showed elevated immunoglobulin-E (IgE) levels, indicative of possible allergic reactions, and white blood cell counts (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), neutrophils and lymphocytes are highest in the medical profession. These findings suggest an association between occupational exposure to air pollutants and changes in hematological parameters, although asthma symptoms have also been reported in other studies.