Occupational exposure to the dust of chemical fertilizers (NPK 15.15.15): effect on biochemical parameters and oxidative stress status among workers in Annaba

The hazardous elements contained in chemical fertilizers may not only potentially cause adverse health effects to the environment but also to professional health. The current study has been conducted to evaluate the probable effects of chemical fertilizers on occupational health. Forty male participants have been divided into two main groups, the exposed group (workers) includes 20 employees working in the fertilizer industry of Annaba (Algeria) for at least 6 years; the control group includes 20 participants with no history of exposure to any chemical fertilizer. Blood samples have been collected for biochemical, hematological, and hormonal analysis and to evaluate oxidative stress status; urine samples have been used to determine chemical components of urine. Data of biochemical analysis have shown a significant increase in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels (TG) (P = 0.037; P = 0.014, respectively), a very significant increase (P = 0.001) in liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT); a very significant increase in kidney function markers: creatinine (P = 0.001) and urea (P = 0.003). On the other hand, the result of hematological analysis has shown a significant decrease (P = 0.013) in hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration and a very significant decrease (P = 0.001) in erythrocyte count. No significant difference has been recorded in hormonal parameters between workers and the control group; concerning oxidative stress status, we have recorded a very significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)). Taken together, occupational exposure to chemical fertilizer can induce many adverse health effects, illustrated mainly by kidney and liver function impairments, and can also cause deleterious impacts on the biomarkers of oxidative stress status.