Cardiac autonomic dysfunction from occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Health
• Cardiology

Background:

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure is linked to cardiopulmonary mortality and cardiovascular events.
• Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) serves as a biological marker for PAH exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between PAH exposure, measured by urinary 1-OHP, and heart rate variability (HRV) in boilermakers.
• To assess the impact of occupational PAH exposure on cardiac autonomic function.

Main Methods:

• Continuous 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring was performed.
• Urinary 1-OHP levels were measured pre- and post-workshift throughout the work week.
• Mixed-effects models analyzed the relationship between 5-minute SD of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and 1-OHP levels, controlling for confounders.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in 5-minute SDNN was observed with increased preshift 1-OHP levels (-13.6% per SD increase).
• The reduction in SDNN was most pronounced during the late night period after work.
• Postshift 1-OHP levels also showed a dose-dependent decrease in SDNN.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first evidence linking occupational PAH exposure to altered cardiac autonomic function.
• Acute PAH exposure in the work environment may be a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease risk.