Surveying liver enzymes in workers exposed to vinyl chloride vapors

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used primarily to produce home appliances however, its production without vinyl chloride (VCM) is not reproducible. VCM has harmful effects on liver when is exposed during a long term duration. We surveyed long term liver effects with exposure of mild to moderate amounts of VCM. In this case-control study, liver enzymes levels of 52 workers were compared with 48 staff employees using t-test analysis. Case group was composed of all occupied workers in PVC production unit (one of the petrochemical complex), while, the control group was chosen form administrative staff of the same petrochemical complex. The mean level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamine trans peptidase (GGT) were shown to be significantly differed between the two groups. Other measures such as AST, ALT, and direct and indirect billirubin were revealed to be higher in case group, however, their difference did not reach a statistically significant level. Results revealed that exposure to even low levels of VCM may lead to mild liver cholestatic damage, therefore, use of tests for liver cholestasis such as GGT and ALP for individuals working in PVC production units should be kept in mind periodically.