Occupational lead exposure among automotive garage workers - a case study for Jimma town, Ethiopia

Assessment of occupational exposure to lead among workers engaged in a city bus garage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Lead is one of the most nonessential toxic heavy metal agents found in automotive garages. The occupational exposure of garage workers to lead commonly poses acute and chronic health risks that can be prevented. In Ethiopia, there have been limited studies on lead exposure among garage workers, who overemphasize exposure to lead. This study aimed to assess occupational blood lead levels and associated factors in garage workers using a cross-sectional comparative design.

METHODS

A comparative cross-sectional study design was used to compare the occupational blood lead levels of 36 randomly selected garage workers and 34 office workers who were matched by age and sex. Blood specimens were collected by trained medical laboratory experts. The collected blood samples were tested in a certified laboratory using a microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) device at a wavelength of 405.78 nm. Excel and SPSS Version 26 were used for data management and analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age of the exposed group was 39.0 (7.5) years, whereas the mean age of the unexposed group was 38.0 (6.1) years. The occupational mean (SD) blood-lead-level in the exposed groups was 29.7 (12.2) µg/dl, compared to 14.8 (9.9) µg/dl among the unexposed groups. The mean blood-lead level among the exposed workers was significantly different from that among the unexposed workers (P < 0.01). Of all the study participants, only 22.2% of the exposed groups had blood lead levels higher than the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 40 µg/dl. The main significant predictors of occupational blood-lead-level exposure among workers were extra working hours, service years, and having a previous (prior) employment history in a garage. The occupations of the two groups did not significantly differ in terms of blood-lead levels (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The BLL of the Garage workers was significantly greater than that of the Non-Garage workers. Hence, it is advised that garage management should encourage workers to use exposure prevention methods, such as washing their hands before eating and taking showers after the completion of work, by providing regular occupational safety training.

Burton's Line on the Gum Seen in Lead Poisoning Among Petroleum Refinery Workers in Kirkuk City, Iraq: A Case Series

Lead poisoning is a serious occupational health risk, especially for those who work in fields where lead-containing products are frequently exposed, including petroleum refining. Three cases of lead poisoning among employees of the petroleum refinery in Kirkuk City, Iraq, have been presented in this case series, emphasizing the clinical significance of Burton's line (blue-purplish line or gingival pigmentation) on the gums as an indication of lead toxicity. Patients presented with typical gingival margin darkening along with symptoms like fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain, and neurological impairments. Subsequent laboratory analysis confirmed that all three patients had increased blood lead levels, which ranged from 30 to 43 μg/dL (normal range <10 μg/dL). In the process of refining petroleum, lead can be inhaled, ingested, or come into direct touch with lead-containing items. Burton's line identification is essential for prompt diagnosis and intervention. This case series highlights the importance of taking preventative action to lessen the risks of lead exposure and protect the well-being and safety of employees of petroleum refineries. Healthcare providers should be vigilant, and strict safety protocols, worker education, and regular monitoring are all essential.

Assessment of heavy metals among auto workers in metropolitan city: a case study

In recent decades, heavy metals (HMs) have emerged as a global health concern. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there is a general lack of awareness regarding the potential health risks associated with HMs pollution among automobile workers. Herein, we investigated the concentration of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) among automobile workers who were occupationally exposed in Mingora City, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Three different automobile groups, i.e., battery recyclers, spray painters, and mechanics were studied in detail. A total of 40 blood samples were collected from automobile workers groups while 10 blood samples were collected as control individuals from different locations in the study area. We investigated heavy metals concentration with a standard method using an atomic absorption spectrometer AAS (PerkinElmer Analyst 700, United States). Based on our findings, the battery recycling group displayed the most elevated Pb levels (5.45 ± 2.11 μg/dL), exceeding those of both the spray painters' group (5.12 ± 1.98 μg/dL) and the mechanics' group (3.79 ± 2.21 μg/dL). This can be attributed to their higher exposure to Pb pollution resulting from the deterioration, dismantling, grinding, or crushing of old batteries. In the context of chromium (Cr) exposure, a similar trend was observed among the battery recycling group, as well as the spray painters and mechanics groups. However, in the case of cadmium (Cd), the mechanics' group exhibited the highest level of exposure (4.45 ± 0.65 μg/dL), surpassing the battery recycling group (1.17 ± 0.45 μg/dL) and the spray painters' group (1.35 ± 0.69 μg/dL), which was attributed to their greater exposure to welding fumes and other activities in their workplace. We believe that our findings will encourage regulatory measures to improve the health of automobile workers. However, further work is needed to determine various health-related issues associated with heavy metal exposure among automobile workers.

Lead content in automotive paints purchased at formal and informal outlets in Kenya

Lead (Pb) is added to automotive paints to prevent corrosion on metallic surfaces, for decorative colours, and for reflective properties to heighten visibility, and enhanced drying time, and durability. However, there are substitutes for all of these applications and Pb is highly toxic to human health and the environment. Through concerted efforts, leaded gasoline was phased out and currently, the focus is on lead-based paints. Leaded automotive paint used for spray painting activities often conducted in close proximity to human habitation raises public health concerns over possible exposure. This study was therefore undertaken to assess Pb levels in automotive paints frequently used by informal spray painters. A total of thirty-two (n = 32) cans of automotive paints were purchased in 4 sets of red, blue, green and white colours from eight formal and informal retail shops. Lead levels in the paint samples were analyzed in triplicates using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. All the automotive paints from the informal retail shops had Pb levels that ranged from 220 to 2740 ppm, and exceeded the regulatory limit of 90 ppm. The blue paint from the informal store had the highest Pb levels which were 30 times of the set limit. On the contrary, the paints from the formal stores had significantly (p < 0.05) lower Pb levels that ranged from 80.7 to 580 ppm than those of the informal stores. Although only one paint sample from the former retail shop had Pb levels within the limit. In general, the elevated Pb levels in automotive paints that are used in an unregulated environment are potential sources of exposure and environmental contamination. The study urgently calls for enforcement of the regulatory limits and comprehensive Pb exposure assessments in this sector.

Contamination and ecological risk assessment of toxic metals in Awetu watershed stream waters and sediments, Ethiopia

The study analyzed the contamination level and ecological risk assessment of toxic metals Awetu watershed streams. A total of 20 water and 20 sediment samples were collected and analyzed for the toxic metals of Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), and zinc (Zn). Sediment samples showed severe contamination levels based on ranges in sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). Water samples showed high grades of contamination factor and potential ecological risk factor by toxic metals. The synergistic effects of toxic metals in the sampling sites were evaluated by Nemerow pollution index, potential ecological risk index and modified degree of contamination and were found to have similar results. Dololo stream (D1, D2, D3, and D4) and Kito (K1, K2, and K3) were found at 'toxic' contamination and 'severe' ecological risk. Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Sn contributed to the highest ecological risk. Toxic metal contamination in Dololo stream is attributed to institutions carrying out various anthropogenic activities along the stream bank, including traditional metal plating, garages, laboratory effluents, extensive agriculture, carwash, irresponsible waste disposal, and urban population growth. The result shows Awetu watershed streams are seriously contaminated by toxic metals. Therefore, future pollution control and management plans should accentuate the strict regulation of discharge of wastes from these anthropogenic activities.

Blood lead levels, calcium metabolism and bone-turnover among automobile technicians in Sagamu, Nigeria: Implications for elevated risk of susceptibility to bone diseases

Lead is an occupational toxicant and a recognised health threat particularly in developing countries. Hence, this study explored the interaction of blood lead level (BLL), a conventional marker of lead exposure, with indices of calcium metabolism and biomarkers of bone-turnover in 120 adult male automobile technicians (AT) with ≥ 1 year duration in professional practice. The AT as well as the control group, which comprised 120 age, body-size and socio-economically matched male administrative workers, were recruited from Sagamu, South West Nigeria. Levels of blood lead, serum indices of calcium metabolism [total calcium (tCa), ionised calcium (iCa), phosphate, albumin, magnesium (Mg) and 25-Hydroxycholecalceferol (25-OHCC)], biomarkers of bone formation [bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and osteocalcin (OC)] and biomarkers of bone resorption [tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TACRP-5b) and urinary hydroxyproline (UHYP)] were determined in all participants. The BLL, 25-OHCC, TRACP-5b and UHYP significantly increased while tCa and iCa significantly reduced in AT compared to control. However, no significant difference was observed in phosphate, albumin, Mg, BALP and OC in AT compared to control. Interestingly, BLL demonstrated a significant negative association with tCa and iCa but a significant positive association with 25-OHCC, TRACP-5b and UHYP. However, BLL did not show significant association with phosphate, albumin, Mg, BALP and OC. Increased lead exposure as well as altered calcium metabolism and bone-turnover demonstrated by the automobile technicians may be suggestive of lead-induced accelerated bone demineralisation. These workers may be predisposed to high risk of increased susceptibility to bone diseases if this sub-clinical picture is sustained.

Comparison of knowledge of occupational hazards of lead exposure and blood lead estimation among roadside and organized panel beaters in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

occupational practices continuously exposes workers to hazards of lead. This study aimed to compare the knowledge of occupational hazards associated with lead exposure, and blood lead estimation among roadside and organized panel beaters in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria.

METHODS

this was a cross-sectional study. Multistage sampling method was used to select 428 panel beaters in Enugu metropolis. Samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer at 283.3 wavelengths. Data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science 20. Comparative analysis were done using chi - square, T-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, logistic regression and level of significance was set at 5%.

RESULTS

the majority of respondents on both roadside (59.8%) and organized (73.4%) sectors had poor knowledge of hazards of lead exposure. The difference was significant using χ² (P<0.05). The median blood lead levels were 3.0µg|dl and 16.0µg|dl for roadside and organized panel beaters respectively. The difference was significant with Mann-Whitney U test (P<0.001). The prevalence of elevated blood lead at 10µg|dl were 36.9% (roadside sector) and 64.5% (organized sector). The duration of working hours (OR = 4.34, CI = 1.729 - 10.338) was found to be the predictor of elevated blood lead levels.

CONCLUSION

there were general poor knowledge of hazards of lead exposure and high prevalence of elevated lead levels which were more among organized panel beaters. Advocacy on standard organizational structures that support improved occupational health practices is needed and routine outreach by research institutions for health education and safety training.

Urinary toluene levels and adverse health symptoms among automotive garage workers, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand

To determine their urinary toluene levels, to describe the workers’ hygiene behaviors and the prevalence of adverse health symptoms among automotive garage workers exposed to chemical substances. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by interviewing among automotive garages located in the Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand. During between 1 November 2020 and 31 December 2020. A total of 140 automotive garages workers were selected using a purposive sampling method. The questionnaire was conducted via face-to-face interview and the toluene was quantified using gas chromatography. Descriptive statistics were computed for the variables. Risk factors were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis. Adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were presented as statistically significant when the p value was < 0.05. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the medians of continuous variables of the two groups. The prevalence of skin effects (60.71%); respiratory tract irritation (49.29%); nausea (46.43%); and dizziness (40.71%) was remarkable in the automotive garage workers. Several socio-demographic variables were significantly associated with increased skin effects, respiratory tract irritant, nausea, and dizziness. The median urinary toluene level of the automotive garage workers was 145 μg/L (range, 12.0–958.0 μg/L) which the median urinary levels and demographic characteristics, occupational lifestyle, personal protective equipment used, hygiene behavior, and adverse health symptoms had significantly significant different (p< 0.05).Urine is one of the most useful a sample for biomonitoring of occupational exposure to toluene. Personal hygiene is important for the automotive garage workers, and it should be emphasized in education programs.

Chlorella vulgaris or Spirulina platensis mitigate lead acetate-induced testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis with regard to androgen receptor expression in rats

The current research was constructed to throw the light on the protective possibility of Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) and Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) against lead acetate-promoted testicular dysfunction in male rats. Forty rats were classified into four groups: (i) control, (ii) rats received lead acetate (30 mg/kg bw), (iii) rats concomitantly received lead acetate and C. vulgaris (300 mg/kg bw), (vi) rats were simultaneously treated with lead acetate and S. platensis (300 mg/kg bw) via oral gavage for 8 weeks. Lead acetate promoted testicular injury as expressed with fall in reproductive organ weights and gonadosomatic index (GSI). Lead acetate disrupted spermatogenesis as indicated by sperm cell count reduction and increased sperm malformation percentage. Lead acetate-deteriorated steroidogenesis is evoked by minimized serum testosterone along with maximized follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Testicular oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic cascades are revealed by elevated acid phosphatase (ACP) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) serum leakage, declined testicular total antioxidative capacity (TAC) with elevated total oxidative capacity (TOC), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), caspase-3 levels, lessened androgen receptor (AR) expression, and histopathological lesions against control. Our research highlights that C. vulgaris or S. platensis therapy can modulate lead acetate-promoted testicular dysfunction via their antioxidant activity as expressed by elevated TAC and reduced TOC, immunomodulatory effect as indicated by lessened TNF-α level, and anti-apoptotic potential that was revealed by minimized caspase-3 levels. As well as restoration of testicular histoarchitecture, androgen receptor, steroidogenesis, and spermatogenesis were detected with better impacts to S. platensis comparing with C. vulgaris. Therefore, further clinical trials are needed to test S. platensis and C. vulgaris as a promising candidate in treating male infertility.

Workplace stress and associated factors among vehicle repair workers in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

Workplace stress is a public health problem worldwide. Studies focusing on work-related stress among vehicle repair workers are scarce in African countries. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported workplace stress and associated factors among vehicle repair workers in Hawassa City, South Ethiopia.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

A cross-sectional study design was employed among 347 vehicle repair workers from January 25 to February 22, 2019. Questionnaires were administered using interviews. Additional tools were used for weight and height measurements. The main findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression. The strength of association of variables was presented by odds ratio along with its 95% CI. The statistical assessments were considered significant at p<0.05. A total of 344 workers participated in the study. The prevalence of workplace stress among participants was 41.6% with 95% CI: (36.3-47.1). Factors associated with workplace stress were more than 10 years of work experience [AOR: 2.40; 95% CI (1.29-4.50)], work-related musculoskeletal disorder [AOR: 3.39; 95% CI (1.99-5.78)], squatting and lying work posture [AOR: 4.63; 95% CI (1.61-13.3)] and servicing large vehicles [AOR: 1.96; 95% CI (1.14-3.38)].

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This study showed that the overall prevalence of work-related stress was substantially high. The independently associated factors were workers' service years, symptoms of body pain, and the work environment. Preventive measures need to be implemented in vehicle repair workshops by focusing on work environment improvements.

Symptoms Associated with Low Threshold Lead Poisoning Among Roadside and Organized Panel Beaters in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

There is no safe level of human exposure to lead (Pb). Detecting common early symptoms of low threshold Pb poisoning can help to prevent the damaging effects of higher doses and chronic low dose exposures. Panel beaters or auto body mechanics are exposed to Pb through their occupational duties.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to determine common early symptoms associated with lower threshold Pb poisoning among roadside and organized panel beaters in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria.

METHODS

This was a comparative cross-sectional study of 428 panel beaters in Enugu metropolis. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select 214 respondents each from the roadside and organized sectors. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Samples were collected under aseptic procedures. Blood Pb samples were extracted using the conventional wet acid digestion method and analyzed using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (wavelength 283.3 nm). Comparative analysis was performed using the chi - square and Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Median Pb levels were 3.0 ug/dL and 16.0 ug/dL among roadside and organized panel beaters, respectively, with a significant difference. Numbness of limbs (P = 0.010) and fatigue (χ² = 5.294, P = 0.023) were found to be associated with roadside panel beaters, while weakness (χ² = 6.185, P = 0.019) and fatigue (χ² = 4.206, P = 0.046) were associated with organized panel beaters.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonspecific constitutional symptoms were common early symptoms of Pb poisoning irrespective of workplace occupational practices. These symptoms will help in early detection and control of occupational lead exposures.

PARTICIPANT CONSENT

Obtained.

ETHICS APPROVAL

Ethics approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu.

COMPETING INTERESTS

The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Assessment of potters' occupational exposure to lead and associated risk factors in Maragogipinho, Brazil: preliminary results

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Lead (Pb) is used as a flux in the glazing process of pottery utensils in several regions of the world. It can affect the nervous and hematopoietic systems; in addition, it is classified as a probable human carcinogen. This work aims to evaluate Pb exposure of potters and describe the main determinants of elevated blood Pb (PbB) levels in this group of workers.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study with potters of Maragogipinho Village, Bahia, Brazil, of both sexes, aged 16-72 years (n = 85). Non-exposed workers of the same age range residing in the urban area of Aratuípe town were also recruited (n = 50). We evaluated Pb dust deposition rates (PbDrt) in pottery workshops and PbB levels. All Pb measurements were performed by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry.

RESULTS

The median of PbB (min-max) and geometric mean (SD) PbDrt for the exposed group were 7.9 (0.9-49.8) µg/dL and 1463 (± 290,000) μg/m²/30 days, respectively. For the control group, levels were 1.5 (0.1-19.8) μg/dL and 82 (46) μg/m² 30 days, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The data found showed an excessive exposure among artisans, exceeding occupationally safe levels and those reported in the literature. It is important to implement occupational hygiene measures and improvements of the working conditions of these labors, especially the replacement of lead oxide in the pottery-glazing process.

Follow-Up of Elevated Blood Lead Levels and Sources in a Cohort of Children in Benin

Lead exposure is associated with poor cognitive development in children. Very few studies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have studied blood lead levels (BLLs) and non-gasoline sources of exposure in children. Data from a birth cohort in Benin (2011-2013) suggested that 58% of 1-year-old children had BLLs > 50 ug/L. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of elevated BLLs (>50 µg/L and >100 µg /L) among 425 of these children at 6 years of age in 2016-2018 and to compare BLLs between age 1 and 6 years, and study sources of lead at age 6 years. BLLs were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Multiple linear regression and quantile regressions were used to study potential sources of lead. The prevalence of BLLs > 50 µg/L in children was 59.5% (Geometric Mean (GM) 56.4 µg/L, 95% CI: 54.1-58.7) at 6 years of age compared to 54.8% (GM 56.5 µg/L, 95% CI: 53.4-59.6) at 1 year of age. The prevalence of children with BLLs > 100 µg/L decreased from 14.4% at 1 year of age to 8.2% at 6 years of age. After adjustment for all other covariates, consumption of peanuts more than once per month was significantly associated with a 22.0% (95% CI: 4.6, 42.5) increment in BLLs at age 6 years compared with no consumption. Consumption of bushmeat killed by lead bullets at age 6 years was associated with an increase in the higher percentiles of BLLs (P75) compared with the absence of this source. Other potential sources of lead associated with BLLs with marginal significance were consumption of rice, paternal occupational exposure, and the presence of activity with the potential use of lead. This prospective cohort confirms the persistently high prevalence of elevated BLLs in children residing in a rural region in the south of Benin, as well as the presence of multiple and continuous sources of lead. These results highlight the need for prevention programs to reduce and eliminate lead exposure in children.

Effect of metallothionein 1A rs8052394 polymorphism on lead, cadmium, zinc, and aluminum levels in factory workers

Metallothioneins (MTs) are low molecular weight cysteine-rich, metal-binding proteins. They are involved in transportation and detoxification of heavy metals, homeostasis of essential metals, and as antioxidation against reactive oxygen species. Polymorphisms in a gene may increase or decrease the expression efficiency of a gene. This study aimed to determine the genetic effect of MT1A rs8052394 on lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and aluminum (Al) levels in factory workers. The study included 100 occupationally heavy metal exposed workers from different factories around Jodhpur. Pb, Cd, Zn, and Al levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Individuals with the GG genotype had lower Pb, Zn, and Al levels and higher Cd levels than AA and AG genotypes. The genotyping of MT1A rs8052394 was done by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP). The mean ± standard deviation of Pb, Cd, Zn, and Al was 5.88 ± 13.28 µg/dL, 3.52 ± 1.25 µg/L, 16.45 ± 16.69 µg/dL, and 58.92 ± 58.91 µg/L, respectively. A significant association was found between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MT1A gene and Cd (p = 0.006) and with Zn levels (p = 0.031) but no association found with Pb and Al levels. Among the study population, 78 participants were homozygote major (AA), 19 were heterozygote (AG), and 3 were homozygote minor (GG). The χ ² test presented the genotypic distribution of all three genotypes under the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.05). The frequency of the A allele was 87.5% (175) and the G allele was 12.5% (25). To conclude, polymorphism in rs8052394 of the MT1A gene is associated with increased metal accumulation which in turn may lead to increased toxic effects in the exposed individuals. Factory workers thus, should be more cautious about protecting their health against the toxic effects of heavy metals.

Predicting children's blood lead levels from exposure to school drinking water in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Human beings could be exposed to impacts associated with heavy metals such as lead (Pb) through drinking water. The objective of this study was to evaluate quality of water consumed by kindergarten school children in Addis Ababa city, who are highly susceptible to issues related to heavy metals in water. Through conducting chemical analysis, using microwave plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry (MP-AES), the level of lead (Pb) was measured at 38 selected schools in the city. Drinking water samples were taken from three water supply sub-systems: Akaki, Legedadi, and Gefersa. Results revealed the average Pb concentration in the city was 62.37 μg/L which is significantly higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended threshold value of 10 μg/L. The children's blood lead levels and exposure to Pb were also calculated using the integrated exposure uptake bio-kinetic (IEUBK) model as per USEPA guidelines. Estimated geometric mean blood lead levels (BLLs) for each school ranged from 4.4 to 13.2 μg/dL. On average, the model predicted that 20% of children in the city will have blood lead levels above the WHO recommended 10 μg/dL. The study can be considered as an unprecedented piece of work as it addresses critical issues and methods to mitigate problems caused by high concentration of Pb in water supply distribution infrastructure.

Chemical exposure in garage workers and related health risks on the biochemical levels: A comparative study in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia

Objectives

Occupational exposure to chemicals causes a wide range of biological effects depending on the level and duration of exposure. The current study is intended to determine the differences in biochemical levels among garage workers compared with occupationally nonexposed participants in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia. Thirty (30) garage workers were selected and compared with 30 age- and sex-matched control group of teachers and students. Demographic and occupational data were collected using a structured questionnaire by trained data collector. Biochemical levels were measured by automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Autolab 18, Boehringer-Mannheim Diagnostics, the United States). Data were analyzed using STATA Version 13.

Results

All of the included garage workers were male. A statistically significant increase were found in alanine aminotransferase (35.60 ± 7.93 vs 19.17 ± 0.91 U/L; P value = 0.0440), aspartate aminotransferase (47.23 ± 4.89 vs 27.03 ± 1.13 U/L; P value = 0.0002), total protein (85.83 ± 1.16 vs 76.40 ± 0.86 g/l; P value < 0.0001), uric acid (7.34 ± 0.29 vs 5.19 ± 0.21 mg/dl; P value < 0.0001), glucose (85.13 ± 3.92 vs 75.60 ± 2.40 mg/dl; P value = 0.0425); total cholesterol (199.40 ± 13.11 vs 140.37 ± 3.81 mg/dl; P value = 0.0001) and triglyceride (143.40 ± 5.79 vs 110.60 ± 8.98 mg/dl; P value = 0.0033) in garage workers compared with control group. On the contrary, a statistically significant decrease were found in albumin (39.37 ± 1.78 vs 46.37 ± 0.56 g/l; P value = 0.0004) and urea (21.63 ± 1.04 vs 27.60 ± 1.69 mg/dl; P value = 0.0039) among garage workers compared with the control group.

Conclusion

Our finding indicates that working in the garage changes most of the biochemical levels. Therefore, appropriate and effective safety measures need to be implemented to prevent possible chemical exposure during routine work.

Assessment of lead exposure among automobile technicians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Exposure to Pb among automobile technicians in selected towns of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, was studied using a questionnaire, biological sampling (blood, hair, nails), and analysis of Pb biomonitoring data across various subgroups of occupation, age, and years of exposure. The study population included exposed automobile technicians (n=50) and a control group (n=50). The automobile technicians were further stratified into 4 groups: mechanics, auto-body technicians, electricians, and painters. Mean Pb levels in biological samples of the automobile technicians were significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.01). The Pb concentrations (mean±standard deviation) in whole blood, hair, and nails of automobile technicians were 65.3±41.9μgdL^-1, 23.6±11.2mgkg^-1 and 29.7±14.5mgkg^-1, respectively, whereas concentrations in the control group were 21.7±17.6μgdL^-1, 4.8±3.4mgkg^-1 and 7.2±3.9mgkg^-1. Fifty two percent of the automobile technicians had blood levels >50μgdL^-1, but only 14% of the control group exceeded this level. Considering that Pb blood levels of 50μgdL^-1 exceed maximum concentrations recommended by leading public health organizations, appropriate measures should be taken to protect the welfare of the exposed automobile technicians and their families.

Occupational health risk of working in garages: comparative study on blood pressure and hematological parameters between garage workers and Haramaya University community, Harar, eastern Ethiopia

Background

Occupational exposure to chemicals in garages causes a wide range of biological effects, depending upon the level and duration of exposure. In Ethiopia, there have been few studies conducted to assess the exposure of garage workers to chemicals. Preceding studies have not explored the effect of working in garage on blood pressure and hematological parameters. Therefore, this study aimed to assess differences in blood pressure and hematological parameters among garage workers compared to the Haramaya University community, Harar, eastern Ethiopia.

Materials and methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia. Thirty garage workers were selected and compared with 30 age- and sex-matched controls comprising of teachers and students. Demographic and occupational data were collected by using a structured questionnaire by a trained data collector. Blood pressure was measured using sphygmomanometry. Hematological parameters were measured with an automated hematology analyzer. Data were analyzed using Stata version 13.

Results

The majority of the garage workers did not implement effective preventive or control measures for workplace chemical exposure. Statistically significant increases were found in systolic (128.67±18.14 vs 106.33 ±9.27 mmHg, P<0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (90.33±11.29 vs 75.67 ±5.68 mmHg, P<0.0001), total white blood cells (7.9±1.51 vs 6.72±2.04×10⁹ cells/L, P=0.0138), and platelets (323.20±48.82 vs 244.1±47.3×10⁹ cells/L, P<0.0001) in garage workers compared to the control group. On the other hand, statistically significant decreases were found in red blood cells (5.13±0.38 vs 5.46±0.36×10¹² cells/L, P=0.0006), hemoglobin (14.89±0.71 vs 15.45±0.87 g/dL, P=0.0062), hematocrit (43.98%±1.99% vs 46.4%3±2.32%, P<0.0001), and mean corpuscular volume (83.19±2.93 vs 85.11±3.87 fL, P=0.0353) among garage workers compared to the control group.

Conclusion

There were significant differences in blood pressure and hematological parameters between garage workers and the control group. Therefore, appropriate and effective safety measures need to be taken by the workers to prevent possible chemical exposure during routine tasks.

Exposure and health risk assessment of lead in communities of Jimma town, southwestern Ethiopia

Human beings could be exposed to lead arising from different environmental sources, such as air, water and soil. Tap water, air and soil samples were collected from four quadrants of Jimma town in southwestern Ethiopia. Eighty samples from each environmental source: water, air and soil samples were collected and analyzed for lead concentration. Prediction of the blood lead level and risk characterization was made using integrated exposure uptake biokinetic model and lead risk was calculated using USEPA guideline. Average concentration of lead in water, air and soils were 24.55 ± 10.01, 1.01 ± 0.41 µg/m(3), and 220.08 ± 135.95 µg/g respectively. Uptake of lead by children is significantly higher than the adults. The total risk value was 1.41 for children and 0.37 for adults. The finding revealed that children are more at risk than adults.

Elevated blood lead levels among unskilled construction workers in Jimma, Ethiopia

Background

No study has been carried out to assess the blood lead levels of workers or the contribution of common workplace practices to lead exposure in Ethiopia. This study was carried out to assess the blood lead levels of female and male laborers in the construction sector in Jimma town, Ethiopia.

Method

A cross-sectional study on the blood lead levels of 45 construction workers was carried out in the town of Jimma. The t-test, analysis of variance, the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann–Whitney and odds ratio tests were used to compare mean blood lead levels and to investigate the associations between specific job type, use of self-protection device, sex, service years and occurrence of non-specific symptoms with BLLs.

Results

The mean blood lead level of the exposed group (40.03 ± 10.41 μg/dL) was found to be significantly greater than that of the unexposed group (29.81 ± 10.21 μg/dL), p = 0.05. Among the exposed group female workers were found to have higher mean blood lead level (42.04 ± 4.11 μg/dL) than their male colleagues (33.99 ± 3.28 μg/dL). Laborers who were regularly using self-protection devices were found to have significantly lower blood lead levels than those who were not using.

Conclusion

The blood lead levels of construction workers in Jimma town are considerably high with a range of 20.46 – 70.46 μg/dL and the workers are in danger of imminent lead toxicity. More endangered are female construction workers who are bearers of the future children of the country and the issue requires urgent attention.