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Background: Lead (Pb) brings about a variety of cognitive, mental, renal, and blood system disorders by inducing oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to compare blood and urine parameters in the workers exposed to Pb and zinc (Zn) with those in the control group. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with a total number of 134 subjects. The case group included 67 male workers with the age range of 22-65 who had at least worked a minimum of one work shift for two years in the Zn-Pb mine located in the southwest of Arak, Iran. Control subjects consisted of 67 farmers of a village near the mine who had no history of occupational exposure to Pb, Zn, and other metals. Mental disorders were evaluated through the standard Scl-90-R while cognitive disorders were evaluated via the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE). Results: The mean level of blood and urine parameters did not reveal significant differences between the two groups. The mean scores of physical complaints, anxiety, and aggression scales were significantly higher in the case group than the control (p<0.05), whereas the mean scores on MMSE did not reveal a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: The oxidative stress of Pb led to mental disorders as a result, the mine workers suffered from more psycho- pathology and are in need of greater care. Due to the impacts of Pb and Zn, the proper use of safety equipments and taking daily showers can reduce the risk of absorption of toxic agents and their subsequent hazards for workers.

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Background: The current paper set out to investigate the level of asbestos fiber and asbestos body in sputum and assayed of haematological factors, liver enzymes and pulmonary function test in asbestos exposed group.

Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with a total number of 100 subjects. The case group included 50 male workers with the age range of 25-60 who had at least worked for five years in the asbestos-cement factory. Control subjects consisted of 50 people who had no history of occupational exposure to asbestos. Lung function tests were measured with a portable calibrated vitalograph-PFT spirometer. liver enzymes were assayed with Pars Azmoon kits. Counts of red blood cells and white blood cells were assayed with a cell counter. We used light polarizan microscope to study the level of asbestos fiber and asbestos body in sputum.

Results: Asbestos fiber observed in sputum sample of workers and type of asbestos fiber is chrysotile. Asbestos bodies were found in only 10% of the workers. Decrease (but not significant) in lung function factors (FVC, FEV1, FVC/FEV1) had been seen in the workers in compare with control group. WBC, Eosinophil, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and liver enzymes levels were significantly higher (but in normal range) in workers as compared with the control group.

Conclusion: Presence of asbestos fiber and asbestos body in workers sputum samples showed workers exposure to asbestos and reduced level (insignificant) of lung function factors and increased level of leukocyte may be indicated pulmonary inflammation. These results also suggested that occupational exposure to asbestos dust may perturb liver mal function parameters