OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO COMMON TOXICANTS IN WORKPLACEs AND ITS IMPACT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WITH EMPHASIS ON MAINTENANCE AND PROMOTION OF WORKERS' HEALTH: A REVIEW

Chemicals are necessary for many economic activities and daily life. However, they can create noxious effects on individuals. It is required more attention to human (worker) health on the route of attainment of sustainable development. The present study reviews the studies done in the field of the effect of toxicants on workers' health. Also, the study investigated the role of toxicology in ensuring sustainable development.

This study has systematically reviewed articles from 2010 to 2020 in PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus and SID. Keywords of MeSH and non- MeSH related to the aim of the present study were searched in English and Persian languages. Also, the investigations were updated to 2022. Finally, 32 articles were investigated in this study.

Studied articles had been carried out in the developed countries (62.5%), developing countries (34.38%), and the least developed country (3.12%). The chemicals were subdivided into four groups of chemicals: solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and other chemicals. The effects were observed in the exposure to solvents (9 articles), pesticides (8 articles), heavy metals (6 articles), others (9 articles). Also, the studies included population-based case-control, cross-sectional, case-control and cohort.

A wide range of individuals have an exposure to the effects of chemicals. A strong relationship has been observed between occupational exposure to chlorinated solvents, heavy metals, herbicides, and organophosphates to adverse effects. More awareness of decision-makers and employers on the effects of toxicants or hazardous chemicals can control, help prevent effects, and also achieve sustainable development.