Changes in White Blood Cell Count Due to Formaldehyde Exposure in the Grinding Wheel Manufacturing Process among Workers in a Factory in Thailand
Keywords:
formaldehyde, white blood cells, occupational health, chemical exposure, grinding wheel manufacturingAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate changes in white blood cell count- (WBC) WBC count among workers in a grinding wheel manufacturing plant in Thailand who had a documented history of formaldehyde exposure in production processes. Methods: A total of 146 workers with complete health surveillance records from 2013 and 2023 were included in the analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and the Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) method. Results: The findings indicated that the mean white blood cell count in 2023 was significantly higher than that in 2013 (p < 0.05). This increase was observed despite workplace formaldehyde concentrations remaining within the legally permissible exposure limits. The elevated levels suggested a potential long-term cumulative effect of formaldehyde exposure on hematological parameters. Conclusion: The results underscore the necessity for continuous health surveillance systems for workers exposed to formaldehyde and support the promotion of further research into additional hematological and biological markers to assess long-term health effects in a more comprehensively.
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