Lead and Mercury Exposure and Related Health Problems in Metal Artisan Workplaces and High-Risk Household Contacts in Thimphu, Bhutan

Monger, Adeep; Wangdi, Karma

doi:10.1155/2020/9267181

Cited by 10 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…This is a serious issue that can be fixed if The Gambian government and the citizens begin to take it seriously and grasp the situation at hand. It does not only affect those who are working in settings where Pb is present, but also their families, especially the children, occupationally exposed workers go home after workday and have the propensity to expose children and family their work cloths and other fomites [3,39].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Group-specific Differences in Blood Lead Levels among Occupationally Exposed Workers in Greater Banjul Area, The Gambia

Sanyang,

Jabbi,

Ndow

et al. 2023

CRPH

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Occupational lead (Pb) exposure continues to be an important public health problem globally, yet data is lacking on the associated risks and resources available for the prevention of Pb related diseases in low middle income countries (LMICs) like The Gambia. In this study, we used a case-control design to compare blood lead levels (BLLs) between the exposed (auto repair workers) and unexposed (healthcare workers) populations in The Greater Banjul Area. The data was analyzed using Chi square test of independence to determine the characteristic factors associated with BLL. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test the relationship between BLLs for auto repair and healthcare workers and their experiences. The results of this study indicated 82.1% of cases had higher BLLs compared to 52.9% of controls. Also, the proportion of workers with elevated BLLs was higher for certain factors including more than 80% of those with greater than 10 of years job experience, more than 70% of those who worked greater than 5 days a week, worked more than 8 hours per day, did not use personal protective equipment (PPE), were illiterate or had no formal education, and smoked or ate at work. The study results have implications for policies and practice in the auto repair industry and related workplaces in The Gambia and other LMICs with similar settings. Based on the findings of this study, it is essential to initiate discussions to establish national occupational health policies in The Gambia aimed at protecting workers and the general population.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Group-specific Differences in Blood Lead Levels among Occupationally Exposed Workers in Greater Banjul Area, The Gambia

Sanyang,

Jabbi,

Ndow

et al. 2023

CRPH

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“…Similarly, there were elevated blood levels of Hg and Pb among the artisans. This could possibly be attributed to work environment, harmful effects of Hg and Pb, lack of awareness of workplace safety and the need to use PPEs (17). Furthermore, implementation of regular vocational training could reduce the burden of the disease associated with metal work apprentices (18).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational exposure to metals among blacksmiths in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Abdullahi

Adamu

Jibril

2020

Environ Health Eng Manag

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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.

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“…Sensitive populations, such as pregnant women and children, are at high risk of severe health effects of mercury inhalation due to its impact on the renal and central nervous systems [52]. Metal artisans, who are at risk of chronic mercury exposure, have displayed prevalence of cough, chest pain, dyspnea, interstitial pneumonitis, and impaired pulmonary function [53]. High blood mercury levels in children aged 3-6 years were associated with elevated 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an indication of oxidative DNA damage at an e-waste site [54].…”

Section: Health Effects Associated With Chemicals Found In E-wastementioning

confidence: 99%

E-Waste in Africa: A Serious Threat to the Health of Children

Lebbie

Moyebi

Asante³

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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Waste electronic and electrical equipment (e-waste) consists of used and discarded electrical and electronic items ranging from refrigerators to cell phones and printed circuit boards. It is frequently moved from developed countries to developing countries where it is dismantled for valuable metals in informal settings, resulting in significant human exposure to toxic substances. E-waste is a major concern in Africa, with large sites in Ghana and Nigeria where imported e-waste is dismantled under unsafe conditions. However, as in many developing countries, used electronic and electrical devices are imported in large quantities because they are in great demand and are less expensive than new ones. Many of these used products are irreparable and are discarded with other solid waste to local landfills. These items are then often scavenged for the purpose of extracting valuable metals by heating and burning, incubating in acids and other methods. These activities pose significant health risks to workers and residents in communities near recycling sites. E-waste burning and dismantling activities are frequently undertaken at e-waste sites, often in or near homes. As a result, children and people living in the surrounding areas are exposed, even if they are not directly involved in the recycling. While toxic substances are dangerous to individuals at any age, children are more vulnerable as they are going through important developmental processes, and some adverse health impacts may have long-term impacts. We review the e-waste situation in Africa with a focus on threats to children’s health.

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Lead and Mercury Exposure and Related Health Problems in Metal Artisan Workplaces and High-Risk Household Contacts in Thimphu, Bhutan

Cited by 10 publications

References 15 publications

Group-specific Differences in Blood Lead Levels among Occupationally Exposed Workers in Greater Banjul Area, The Gambia

Group-specific Differences in Blood Lead Levels among Occupationally Exposed Workers in Greater Banjul Area, The Gambia

Occupational exposure to metals among blacksmiths in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

E-Waste in Africa: A Serious Threat to the Health of Children

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