The Environmental and Occupational Impact of Acetylene Gas Exposure on Blood Components of Workers in Welding Factories in Fallujah

Occupational exposure to welding fumes and combustion gases represents an important environmental health concern, particularly in poorly ventilated workshops. Welding processes generate airborne pollutants, including acetylene gas, carbon monoxide, metal fumes, and fine particulate matter, which may accumulate indoors and pose systemic health risks. This study aimed to evaluate the hematological effects of environmental exposure to welding emissions among workers in Fallujah, Iraq. A total of sixty (60) male participants were enrolled and divided into two groups: fifty (50) welding workers occupationally exposed to acetylene gas and welding fumes, and ten (10) healthy individuals serving as a control group. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, and differential leukocyte parameters.\r\nThe results revealed statistically significant increases (P ≤ 0.05) in PCV, hemoglobin, RBC count, total WBC count, platelet count, monocytes, and granulocytes among welding workers compared to controls. In contrast, lymphocyte percentage showed a significant decrease in exposed workers. The elevation of erythrocytic indices suggests compensatory adaptation to chronic hypoxic stress, likely associated with carbon monoxide exposure. Increased leukocytes and platelets indicate systemic inflammatory activation due to inhalation of welding-related airborne pollutants.\r\nThese findings demonstrate that prolonged occupational exposure to environmentally contaminated air in welding workshops is associated with measurable hematological alterations reflecting both hypoxic and inflammatory responses. Implementation of effective environmental control measures, including improved ventilation and occupational safety practices, is essential to reduce long-term health risks among welding workers.\r\n