Health Implications of Industrial Pollution: A Study of Physiological Parameters and Oxidative Markers in Workers in Erbil City

One of the largest contributors to industrial pollution worldwide is the steel sector, which also poses a significant risk to the health of its employees. In contrast to a control group that was not exposed, this study examined the physiological and oxidative stress effects of industrial pollution on employees at the Darin Steel Company in Erbil City. Assessments of cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure and heart rate), respiratory function (forced vital capacity and arterial oxygen), fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, liver and kidney function tests, and oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were conducted on 75 male employees and 25 healthy male controls. Airborne pollutant levels were significantly elevated across all workplace units compared with the control group, with the highest concentrations observed in the furnace and scrap units. Particulate matter (PM2.5) rose from 3.29 μg/m³ in the control to 65.78 μg/m³ in the furnace unit, and similar increases were seen for particulate matter (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂). The findings showed that exposed workers experienced severe adverse effects, including decreased forced vital capacity (FVC), increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and compromised liver and kidney function. The impacts were worse for workers in high-exposure locations (scrap units and furnaces). Workers' antioxidant SOD levels were lower, and oxidative stress markers (MDA ands 8-OHdG) were significantly greater, indicating cellular oxidative stress and DNA damage. These health impacts were worsened by exposure times longer than 4 years. The results highlight the adverse health effects of industrial pollution, particularly in areas with high exposure levels, and the role that oxidative stress plays in the organ damage caused by pollution. This study provides important new insights for occupational health treatments designed to mitigate the risks associated with pollution in industrial environments.