Environmental Working Conditions, Lung Function and Total Serum Bile Acids of Spray Painters Exposed to Organic Solvents in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

Background.Nigeria has a growing spray painting industry, however, the burden of occupational health problems related to organic solvent exposure among spray painters in Nigeria is under-studied.Objectives.This study aimed to assess workshop characteristics and ambient concentration of total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in spray painting workshops and to compare lung function status and total serum bile acid levels of spray painters and controls.Methods.A cross-sectional study design was employed to survey 120 spray painters and 120 controls (electronic technicians). A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demographics characteristics of the respondents. Weight, height and lung function of respondents were measured. In addition, a checklist was used to survey the spray painting workshops. Total VOC levels were determined in 37 spray painting and 31 electronic workshops. Data were analyzed using Statistical Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and a p-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results.Windows were present in only 5 (13.5%) spray painting workshops and 23 (62%) workshops had a retractable tarpaulin at the entrance. Only 9 (24%) workshops had changing rooms, while fire extinguishers and first aid kits were not present in any of the surveyed workshops. A respirator with filter was sighted in only 1 (3%) workshop. The 8-hour time weighted average concentration of total VOCs in spray painting workshops was 13.4 ppm, which is above the national permissible exposure limits of 1.9 ppm. Forced vital capacity (FVC) percent predicted was significantly lower in spray painters (93.9 ±10.8%) than controls (96.7± 8.2%) (t = −2.326, df=238 p< 0.001). In addition, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) percent predicted was lower in spray painters (94.6±12.2%) than controls (100.3±9.1%) (t=−4.058, df=238, p=0.002). FEV1/FVC% was significantly lower among spray painters (85.48±8.70%) compared with controls (87.88±6.22%) (t=−2.861 df=238, p= 0.005). Total serum bile acids was significantly elevated in painters (8.71±3.39 mmol/l) compared to controls (4.67 ±2.15 mmol/l) (t=10.358, df=213, p<0.05).Conclusions.Spray painters in the present study conduct their activities in hazardous work settings. More needs to be done concerning workplace regulation and enforcements to ensure that spray painters comply with minimum standards of occupational safety, workplace hygiene and sanitation.Patient Consent.ObtainedEthics Approval.Ethical approval was granted by the Health Research and Ethics Committee of the Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University.

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

“…As published elsewhere, the exposure of spray painters in this study to organic solvents during spray painting (expressed as an 8-hour weighted average of total exposure to VOCs) was 13.4 ppm, which was substantially above the national permissible exposure limit of 1.9 ppm. 18 , 20…”

“…The details of air sampling were reported elsewhere. 18 Data were collected between October to December 2016.…”

Knowledge of Chemical Hazards and Safety Practices among Furniture Makers Exposed to Organic Solvents in Ile-Ife Nigeria

“…The findings are similar to findings in the study conducted among car spray painters in the same study area, Ile-Ife. (Ojo, et al, 2017).…”

Occupational Risk Perception and the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): A Study Among Informal Automobile Artisans in Osun State, Nigeria

“…Due to rapid urbanization and industrialization, automobile repair workers have become one of the largest occupational groups in many developing countries (Ojo et al, 2017). The growing demand for services of this occupational group in these countries is due to the increased use of older vehicles (about 10-15 years old) supplied by industrialized countries.…”

“…For example, Adejumo et al (2017) reported that 91.9% of the automobile mechanics in a Lagos metropolis did not use PPE while carrying out repairs. Likewise, Ojo et al (2017) reported that only 3% of the car painting workshops in Ile-Ife possessed a respirator with a filter. As compared to car repair artisans who use PPEs, those who do not have been found to report more health problems such as headaches, tiredness (Adejumo et al, 2017), burns, dizziness (Elewon, 2018), hearing impairment, eye injuries, and cuts (Sabitu et al, 2009).…”