Health Implications of Occupational Exposure of Butchers to Emissions from Burning Tyres

Abstract

Background:Flames from burning scrap tyres are used in de-furring animals for human consumption in most parts of Nigeria. Emissions from tyres are known to contain a myriad of toxic mixtures especially particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds, hazardous air pollutants, and inspirable metals, some of which are known human carcinogens. This cross-sectional study investigated the deleterious health effects of these emissions in occupationally-exposed workers at the Dei-Dei Abattoir, Abuja, Nigeria.Methods:A total of 156 respondents were divided into two groups. Group 1 (124 butchers) and group 2 [32 administrative staff (AS)]. Data from digital spirometry were used to determine the association between chronic exposure to tyre emissions and lung function. Urinary 1-Hydroxypyrene concentration, phenolic compounds levels and heavy metal concentrations were determined. Also ambient PM and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations at 3 delineated points in the abattoir were measured.Findings:Spirometry results showed significant deterioration of lung function in the butchers. The concentration of 1-Hydroxypyrene (μg/molCret) in the post-shift urine samples of the butchers was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in butchers relative to the AS (0.52 ± 0.13 Vs 0.20 ± 0.07, respectively). Similarly the concentrations of zinc and nickel (mg/l) were significantly higher in the butchers compared to the AS (zinc: 0.91 ± 0.19 Vs 0.31 ± 0.28, respectively; nickel: 0.11 ± 0.06 Vs 0.06 ± 0.02, respectively). Anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo-a- pyrene, and PM concentrations were significantly higher at the de-furring point when compared to the wash bay and the administrative building, especially between 8.00 and 8.30 am.Conclusion:Occupational exposure to scrap tyre emissions resulted in significant adverse health effects. The existing laws banning the use of burning tyres in meat processing should be enforced while the use of personal protective equipment should be encouraged in abattoirs.

Occupational hazards and health problems among butchers in Uyo, Nigeria

“…Burning with firewood was the most commonly used method of de-furring in this study, in contrast to findings in Abuja, Nigeria, where burning with tyres was the most commonly used method 10. Smoke from wood fire contains gases and particles that could be potentially harmful to health.…”

“…Even though only 2.5% of the respondents reported de-furring with burning tyres, it is necessary to discourage this practice as such emissions are known to contain numerous toxic substances. Findings of a study in Abuja reported a significant deterioration of lung functions among butchers chronically exposed to tyre emissions compared to the control group who were administrative staff 10. These hazards can be prevented by practicing chemical de-hairing method which uses 10% sodium sulfide with 3% hydrogen peroxide which not only de-hairs but also reduces microbacterial load on the hide of the animals 27…”

“…The most prevalent health problems found were low back pain, joint pain, eye irritation, and knife injuries 7. Butchers in Nigeria are also exposed to emissions from burning old car tyres which was reported in a study as the most common method used to de-fur animals 10. These emissions have been established to contain numerous toxic substances which can cause acute and chronic consequences including eye and skin irritations, central nervous depression, as well as exacerbation of cardiac and respiratory conditions 11…”

Comparing Household Environmental Health Indicators between Oil-bearing and Non-oil-bearing Communities in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

“…23, 24] There is need for major improvements in making domestic potable water available to the populace to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of improving water availability, accessibility, quality, and utilization study found surface water and water vendors to be the second most common source of water in non-oil-bearing and oil-bearing communities, respectively. This may be because oil exploration activities have been shown to pollute surface water resulting in a myriad of health problems [25][26][27] and environmental pollution There is need for the enforcement of the laws and penalties that protect the environment from pollution [29][30][31].…”

Exposure and Public Health Effects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Compounds in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

“…In another study conducted at an Abattoir in Abuja, Nigeria, chronic occupational exposure of butchers to PAHs-containing fumes produced from burning tires used in de-furring of slaughtered animals was found to affect their lung health. 92 In the study the butchers presented with a forced expiratory volume, forced vital capacity ratio (FEV/FVC) of < 80% which according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Disease is an indication of primary lung impairment. 93 Exposure of under-5 year children to biomass cooking fuels including charcoal, biomass, and other fuel types in SSA has been associated with the risk of mortality among this age-group.…”