Changes of serum liver function indexes among workers occupationally exposed to acrylamide

Objective To observe the changes of serum liver function indexes among workers occupationally exposed to acrylamide. Methods Totally 32 workers with exposure to acrylamide for 10 years in an acrylamide-production plant were studied.The concentrations of acrylamide at workplaces were measured.The physical examinations were done and these results were compared with those of non-exposed workers. Results The concentrations of acrylamide at 5 workplaces varied from 0.15 to 0.28 mg/m³,which were lower than national PC-TWA 0.3 mg/m³.The serum biochemical indexes,such as glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT),glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (AST),direct bilirubin (DBIL),triglyceride (TG),and high density cholesterol (HDL-C) of exposed workers were significantly different with those of non-exposed workers (t=1.703,1.937,10.173,0.664,respectively,P<0.05),and it was also found that there were significant differences in abnormal rates of liver function and blood lipids between exposed workers and non-exposed workers (χ²=33.890,5.497,respectively,P<0.05). Conclusion Long-term exposure to acrylamide at low level may still cause liver damage.More attention should be given to workers exposed to acrylamide.