Changes in immunological and hematological parameters of female residents exposed to volatile organic compounds in the city of Kaohsiung, Taiwan

The objective of this study was to assess the effects, if any, of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the ambient air of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on certain hematological and immunological parameters of 153 female study participants. The major source of VOCs was vehicle emissions. The participants were selected from three areas, each area at a different distance from a freeway. Results indicated that total concentrations of VOCs and a subgroup of 25 VOCs (VOC25) ranged from 250 to 335 ppb and 89 to 113 ppb, respectively. The distribution of VOC concentrations did not correlate with distance from the freeway. The participants living in the area with higher VOC concentrations had significantly higher abnormalities of white blood cells (WBC) and hemoglobin (Hb). In addition, IgG and IgA counts were significantly lower for the participants in the area with higher VOCs than for participants in the area with lower VOCs. This finding indicates that VOCs in ambient air may suppress immunological variables.