Plasma Cortisol Levels and Workers Exposed to Urban Pollutants

Studies on animals and human subjects have proposed that urban pollutants may cause alterations of cortisol levels. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether police officers exposed to urban pollutants and possible psycho-social stressors could be at risk for alterations on plasma cortisol levels...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Industrial Health 2003, Vol.41(4), pp.320-326
Main Authors: TOMEI, Francesco, ROSATI, Maria Valeria, CIARROCCA, Manuela, BACCOLO, Tiziana Paola, GABALLO, Monica, CACIARI, Tiziana, TOMAO, Enrico
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Air Pollution - analysis
Case-Control Studies
Cortisol
Environmental Monitoring - methods
Female
Humans
Hydrocortisone - blood
Italy
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure - analysis
Outdoor activity
Police - statistics & numerical data
Police officers
Sex Distribution
Stressors
Urban pollutants
Urban Population - statistics & numerical data
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Summary:Studies on animals and human subjects have proposed that urban pollutants may cause alterations of cortisol levels. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether police officers exposed to urban pollutants and possible psycho-social stressors could be at risk for alterations on plasma cortisol levels compared to a control group. Plasma cortisol levels were determined in 302 police officers with outdoor activity and administrative workers with indoor activity. The subjects were subdivided into three groups: “A” (non-smokers and non-drinkers), “B” (smokers), and “C” group (drinkers). In male and female subjects of “A” and “C” groups and in female subjects of “B” group the mean cortisol values were significantly higher in police officers compared to controls. The authors hypothesise an effect on plasma cortisol levels in police officers exposed to chemical, physical and possible psycho-social stressors.
ISSN:0019-8366
1880-8026
DOI:10.2486/indhealth.41.320