Publication Details
Abstract
By producing reactive oxygen species and depleting antioxidants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from Household cleaning products can cause oxidative stress and inflammation. Formaldehyde levels in Iraqi homes were found to be 2.3 times higher than WHO limits (231.7 vs. 89.4 μg/m³) in our previous assessment, while benzene levels were similarly elevated. Howeve, little was known about the biological effects of such exposure. Assess inflammatory biomarker and oxidative stress in females exposed to household volatile organic compounds. A cross-Sectional Stud conducted in Kirkuk, lraq (January -October 2024) involved 120 female housewives who were categorized as either low-exposure (n=60) or high-exposure (n=60) to indoor volatile organic compounds. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathion (GSH), catalase, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide, 8-isoprostane, protein carbonyls, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in fasting venous blood. ELISA was used to measure interleukin-6 (Il-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α). Significant oxidative and inflammatory alterations were observed in the high-exposure group: MDA rose 43% (p<0.001), GSH and catalase fell 37% and 33%, TAC fell 33% , and SOD fell 21% . TNF- α and lL- 6 rose by 79% and 73% , respectively (both p< 0.001). GSH depletion (β = -0.68) and MDA rise (β =0.65 ) were best predicted by formaldehyde. Women who are exposed to household VOCs experience significant oxidative stress and inflammation, which is similar to patterns observed in chronic diseases. The primary contributor, formaldehyde, emphasizes the necessity of exposure control and preventive measures based on antioxidants.