Health Risk Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium in Iranian Workplaces: a Meta-analysis Study

Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr⁺⁶) has reported in different industries. The Cr⁶⁺ has the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. The aim of this study was to provide a meta-analysis and health risk assessment of occupational exposure to Cr⁶⁺ in Iranian workplaces. Databases including Scopus, Web of Sciences (WOS), and Scientific Information Database (SID), as a national database, were searched from 2000 to February 2021. The related studies to occupational exposure to Cr⁶⁺ were selected by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Lung cancer and non-cancer risk (nasal mucosal irritation, atrophy, and perforation) of Cr⁶⁺ were estimated by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) method, based on the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Also, the results of spirometry and biomonitoring of previous studies were reviewed. We found 14 articles based on inclusion criteria. Pooled concentration of Cr⁶⁺ was estimated 0.037 ± 0.002 mg/m³ which was higher than the recommended exposure limit by the ACGIH (0.002 mg/m³). The mean lung cancer risk was estimated to be 5.49E-2, which was considerable risk. In the Cr⁶⁺-exposed workers, all parameters of pulmonary function had decreased. The level of Cr⁶⁺ in urinary and blood samples was higher than threshold limit. Results indicated that exposure to Cr⁶⁺ and its health risk were more than recommended exposure limit. The results of present study could be helpful for health policy maker to control exposure to Cr⁶⁺ in workplaces.