Trace elements and oxidative stress levels in the blood of painters in Lagos, Nigeria: occupational survey and health concern

Dynamic thiol disulfide homeostasis in painters as indices of oxidative stress

This study was designed to determine thiol-disulfide homeostasis as indices of oxidative stress in painters by using a novel and automated colorimetric measurement method. Male painters (n = 117) were separated into three groups according to duration of work; group 1 (<5 years), group 2 (5-14 years) and group 3 (≥15 years). Hippuric acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol in urine was determined. Catalase activity and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels were also assessed. Disulfide/Native Thiol and Disulfide/Total Thiol of group 2 and group 3 were significantly higher than those of group 1 (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between urinary phenol and disulfide/native thiol (r = 0.214, p = 0.035), IMA (r = 0.305, p = 0.002), disulfide (r = 0.209, p = 0.040), and duration of work (r = 0.341, p < 0.001). The newly developed automated colorimetric method used in our study proposes a promising, practical and daily applicable test for evaluating oxidative status of painters.

Work Practices and Health Problems of Spray Painters Exposed to Organic Solvents in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Automobile spray painters in Nigeria are exposed to organic solvents due to the hazardous nature of their work. Inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may intensify exposure to high levels of chemical hazards with resultant health problems.

OBJECTIVES

The present study assessed PPE use and work practices and compared work-related health problems of spray painters and controls in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 spray painters and 120 controls (electronic technicians). Data on socio-demographics, work practices, knowledge about organic solvent-related hazards and self-reported health symptoms were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire. Clinical examinations were performed for all respondents and the composition of organic solvents in paints and paint products were derived from material safety data sheets.

RESULTS

All respondents were male, and the mean age was 32.7±13.8 years for painters and 33.9±15.5 years for controls. Few (7.5%) painters perceived their use of PPE to be adequate. All spray painters worked in enclosed workshops and N-butyl acetate was the most commonly used organic solvent. Spray painters reported excessive tear production, recurrent cough, and short-term memory loss more frequently than controls (P<0.05). In addition, 89% of painters noticed paint-stained sputum immediately after spray painting. The prevalence ratio of respiratory symptoms was higher in spray painters than controls (prevalence ratio=21.0, CI=2.9-153.6). On clinical examination, more spray painters had corneal opacity and dry skin when compared with controls (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Spray painters in the study area worked amidst chemical hazards and had poor use of PPE. Exposure to organic solvents may be responsible for the higher prevalence of self-reported health problems among spray painters. Interventions to enforce the use of PPE and improve the knowledge of organic solvent-related hazards among spray painters are essential.

PARTICIPANT CONSENT

Obtained.

ETHICS APPROVAL

Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from the Health Research and Ethics Committee of the Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Nigeria (HREC No: IPHOAU/12/463).

COMPETING INTERESTS

The authors declare no competing financial interests.

The biochemical effects of occupational exposure to lead and cadmium on markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes activity in the blood of glazers in tile industry

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of occupational exposure to lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) on markers of oxidative stress in glazers in tile industries. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined in the blood of 80 subjects, including 40 glazers and 40 nonexposed subjects. Mean levels of blood Cd (8.90 ± 2.80 µg/L) and blood Pb (62.90 ± 38.10 µg/L) of glazers showed a significant increase compared with the control group. In the serum of glazers, the level of MDA was significantly higher and the level of TAC was significantly lower than the control group. We have noted a disturbance in the levels of antioxidants by a significant increase in the CAT activity and a significant decrease in the activities of SOD and GPx in the serum of glazers compared with the controls. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the serum MDA level and CAT activity were positively associated with the blood levels of Pb and Cd. Also, GPx and SOD were negatively correlated with blood Cd levels. The study clearly indicated that co-exposure to Cd and Pb can induce oxidative stress in glazers, resulting in increased lipid peroxidation and altered antioxidant enzymes.

Effects of rational emotive behavior coaching on occupational stress and work ability among electronics workshop instructors in Nigeria

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

This study examined the effectiveness of rational emotive behavior coaching (REBC) on occupational stress and work ability in a sample of electronics workshop instructors in Nigeria.

METHODS

A pretest-posttest control group design was used. The participants were 108 electronics workshop instructors in technical colleges in the south-east of Nigeria who met the study inclusion criteria. Data were collected using 3 questionnaires and analyzed using a repeated measure analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

REBC led to a significant reduction in occupational stress experienced by the electronics workshop instructors in the REBC group compared to their counterparts in the waitlist control group. Furthermore, the scores for occupation-related irrational beliefs of the instructors in the REBC group were significantly lower than those in the waitlist control group at the end of the coaching intervention. The work ability of the REBC group was significantly better than that of the waitlist control group. Finally, the effects in the REBC group were significantly sustained at 3-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

REBC is a time-efficient and solution-focused therapeutic modality for assisting occupationally stressed employees in a Nigerian setting. REBC can be used for improving and maintaining work ability of workers. The researchers hope that occupational health professionals and health counselors would extend this approach to tackle psychological issues limiting employees' effectiveness and performance in the Nigerian work environment and in other countries.

Occupational cadmium exposure-associated oxidative stress and erythrocyte fragility among jewelry workers in India

BACKGROUND

Cadmium-induced pulmonary and renal target organ effects are well-established although its association with oxidative stress and associated hematological effects for human toxicity remain understudied.

METHODS

In a population of cadmium-exposed male jewelry manufacturing workers (n = 32) and referents without direct exposure (n = 21), all with urinary cadmium quantification, we measured plasma antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), erythrocyte fragility, and surface irregularity of the erythrocyte membrane.

RESULTS

Compared to referents, exposed workers manifested significantly lower plasma antioxidant enzymes, and increased malondialdehyde and erythrocyte fragility (for all, P < 0.01). Consistent with the exposure subcategories, activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were reduced and lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte fragility were enhanced (P < 0.01 for all) in terms of Cd-effect indicating a strong impact on hematological system and oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

Cd exposure contributes to oxidative stress and related erythrocyte effects thus making the hematological system another end-organ target for chronic Cd toxicity.