Assessment of Reproductive and Renal Profiles in Photocopier Operators: Implications of Occupational Exposure to Emitted Pollutants

Abstract

Photocopy machines emit several harmful pollutants that include ozone, VOCs, Ultraviolet, particulate matter and fumes of heavy metals. The operators are exposed to all these toxic toner components. The objective of the current investigation was to assess the effects of these emitted pollutants on reproductive and renal profile of photocopiers. For this study, photocopy operators (n=40) being occupationally exposed to photocopier emissions and non-exposed healthy controls (n=25) were recruited fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Serum level of testosterone and renal biomarkers of all the participants were evaluated. Independent sample “t”-test was applied at significance level P<0.05 by using GraphPad Prism. Significant decrease in testosterone levels in the photocopier group (5.19 ± 0.19) compared to the control group (8.04 ± 0.22, P < 0.001) was observed. The renal profile revealed notable increases in serum uric acid and creatinine levels in the photocopier group, with uric acid at 4.76 ± 0.18 versus 3.91 ± 0.10 in the control group (P < 0.001) and creatinine at 0.93 ± 0.04 compared to 0.78 ± 0.03 in the control group (P < 0.02). Additionally, serum albumin levels were
significantly lower in the exposed group (3.63 ± 0.10) compared to the control group (4.47 ± 0.11, P < 0.001). The potential acute or chronic kidney disorders and reproductive damage associated with exposure in the photocopier workers.