Occupational exposure to metals among blacksmiths in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria
Journal Title: Environmental Health Engineering and Management Journal - Year 2020, Vol 7, Issue 2
Abstract
Background: Occupational workers especially those working in industries associated with metal and mining activities are excessively exposed to many toxic metals, which affect them. This study was conducted to determine the metal concentrations in body fluids of blacksmiths exposed to metals. Methods: The present study was conducted on a total of 140 male blacksmiths and 120 male controls in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. All information related to working conditions such as duration of engagement and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), health history, life style, etc. were obtained using an interview questionnaire. Blood samples were also collected, digested, and subsequently, subjected to flame atomic absorption spectrometric (FAAS) analysis to determine the heavy metals concentration in the samples. Results: Exposure to heavy metals led to various degrees of health complications including headache (68%), fever (52%), chest pain (44%), itching (43%), irritation (35%), shortness of breath (31%), and coughing (27%). Meanwhile, the concentration of blood heavy metals of Pb, Cd, Cr, and Zn was 0.17, 0.076, 0.24, 4.50 μg/mL, respectively. The values were above the permissible limits of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and significantly differ from those in controls (P<0.05), which was directly proportional to age and exposure rates. Conclusion: According to the results, blacksmithing is an occupation with health hazards, which affect blood metals levels, and subsequently, lead to serious health complications.
Authors and Affiliations
Ibrahim Lawal Abdullahi , Ali Sani , Bilkisu Aminu Jibril
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP685195
- DOI -
- Views 245
- Downloads 0
Cultivation of Chlorella pyrenoidosa as a raw material for the production of biofuels in palm oil mill effluent medium with the addition of urea and triple super phosphate
Background: The utilization of microalgae as a renewable energy is an important aspect in solving shortage of future oil reserve in 15 years. One of the renewable energy sources is microalgae biodiesel. Palm oil mill e...
A study of the microplastic contamination of commercial table salts: A case study in Nigeria
Background: Environmental pollution caused by microplastics (MPs) is quite ubiquitous and has become a global issue. Several studies have focused on MPs in marine and freshwater systems. However, there is a paucity of...
Water quality deterioration modeling in aged distribution mains: A case study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Background: Water quality deterioration is becoming a serious challenge for water utility corporations supplying treated water through the use of a centralized distribution system. After water leaves the treatment plan...
Efficiency of wastewater treatment plants in removal of intestinal parasites: A review approach
Background: Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in urban areas, are potentially one of the causes of the spread and entry of parasitic pathogens into the environment and water resources. Numerous studies have been cond...
The need for careful monitoring and control of medical travels during COVID-19: A letter to the editor
This article has no abstract.