Evaluating the Impact of Respiratory Exposure to Hospital Chemicals on Lung Function and Blood Markers in Employees of a Healthcare Facility; [ارزیابی تاثیر مواجهه تنفسی با مواد شیمیایی بیمارستانی بر عملکرد ریوی و نشانگرهای خونی در کارکنان یک مرکز درمانی] Publisher



Ghasemi N ; Sadeghi Yarandi M ; Nejad N Y ; Ghasemi M ; Zare R ; Pour A M N
Source: Journal of Health and Safety at Work Published:2026

Abstract

Introduction: Employees in various departments of hospital are inevitably exposed to toxic gases, including isoflurane, as well as BTEX, formaldehyde, nitric acid, and chlorine. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impact of chemical exposure on pulmonary and hematological parameters among hospital staff. Material and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 at a hospital in Tehran, involving a sample size of 240 participants. Standard methods established by OSHA and NIOSH were employed for sampling, transfer, and laboratory analysis. A history of respiratory symptoms was obtained using the American Thoracic Society Questionnaire (ATSQ). Additionally, lung function was assessed through spirometry tests, and blood samples were collected to analyze the participants’ hematological factors. Results: The exposure levels of benzene (0.3 ppm), ethylbenzene (12 ppm), toluene (9 ppm), xylene (50 ppm), nitric acid (0.9 ppm), isoflurane (1.6 ppm), and chlorine (0.06 ppm) were found to be below the maximum occupational exposure limits. The average occupational exposure of staff in the operating room and pathology laboratory over an 8-hour period was 0.16 ppm for formaldehyde, which exceeds the ACGIH-recommended acceptable occupational exposure limits (OEL). Findings revealed a correlation between the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and elevated liver enzymes in employees exposed to formaldehyde and isoflurane. Conclusion: The results indicated a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and liver enzyme disorders in individuals exposed to isoflurane and formaldehyde compared to the control group. Furthermore, significant differences were observed in pulmonary function tests and liver enzyme levels in the blood of subjects exposed to these substances, in contrast to the control group. It is recommended that individuals working in operating rooms and pathology laboratories implement engineering controls and management practices related to occupational health and safety, and utilize appropriate personal protective equipment, particularly due to exposure to isoflurane and formaldehyde gases. Copyright © 2026 The Authors. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.