제련소 주변지역 주민들의 PAHs 및 VOCs 노출과 염증 수준 및 만성 질환 간의 관계에 대한 단면 연구

PAHs and VOCs Exposures of Residents Living near a Smelter and Their Relationship to Inflammation and Chronic Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Smelters may emit not only metals into their surrounding areas, but polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well. These environmental pollutants induce inflammatory responses and may increase the risk of chronic disease history. Objectives: This cross-sectional study investigated the association among exposure to organic pollutants, levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and chronic disease history in residents who have lived in the vicinity of a smelter. Methods: Urine samples were collected from 110 residents near a smelter. A survey of residents included questions on their general characteristics and chronic disease history. Four urinary metabolites of PAHs were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and four metabolites of VOCs were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The levels of hs-CRP were analyzed using an automated chemistry analyzer. General linear regression and logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, income, occupational exposure, smoking, and alcohol consumption were performed. Results: Urinary concentrations of trans, trans-muconic acid and methylhippuric acid significantly increased hs-CRP levels (β=0.286, p-value=0.047; β=0.132, p-value=0.031, respectively). In logistic regression, the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was elevated considerably with hs-CRP (odds ratio=1.908, 95% confidence interval: 1.040, 3.501). Conclusions: This study suggests that VOC exposure may increase the inflammation levels of residents in a smelter area. Furthermore, inflammatory marker levels were positively associated with the risk of CVD.