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Oche OM, Nneka OC, Abiola OR, Raji I, Jessica AT, Bala HA, Adamu I. Determinants of occupational health hazards among roadside automobile mechanics in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria. Ann Afr Med 2020; 19:80-88. [PMID: 32499463 PMCID: PMC7453945 DOI: 10.4103/aam.aam_50_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Roadside automobile mechanics are in the course of their work exposed to several hazards that put them at risk of severe debilitating health challenges. This group of workers, however, is reported not to know much about such hazards and to have little or no training on workplace safety. Aim The study aimed to identify the determinants of occupational health hazards among roadside automobile mechanics in Sokoto Metropolis. Methodology This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, and using a two-stage sampling technique, a total of 205 roadside mechanics were recruited for the study. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used, and the data were imputed into and analyzed using IBM SPSS. Results The mean age of the respondents was 31.10 ± 10.19 years, and over one-third of them (38.1%) were general vehicle repairers. Majority of the respondents had good knowledge of and attitude toward workplace hazards. However, a good proportion (91.0%) of the mechanics felt that their occupation was a risky one and 80.1% ate and 86.1% drank while working. Type of training and job description were the predictors of knowledge of workplace hazards. Job description was the only predictor of attitude. Burns, bruises, headache/dizziness, and cuts were the most reported work-related illnesses and injuries. Conclusion Although most of the auto-mechanics were aware and had good knowledge of workplace hazards, they did not adhere to safety practices in the workplace, mostly due to nonavailability of protective apparels. There is, therefore, need for continuous health education under the platform of the auto-mechanics association so that they can voluntarily adopt safety practices in their workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oche Mansur Oche
- Department of Community Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria
- Department of Community Health, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria
| | - Okafoagu Christina Nneka
- Department of Community Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria
| | - Oladigbolu Remi Abiola
- Department of Community Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria
| | - Ismail Raji
- Department of Community Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria
| | - Ango Timane Jessica
- Department of Community Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria
| | - Hashimu Abdulmumini Bala
- Department of Community Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria
| | - Ijapa Adamu
- Department of Community Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria
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Bizoń A, Kepinska M, Snacki K, Milnerowicz H. The impact of environmental and biological factors on paraoxonase 1 and γ-glutamyltranspeptydase activities in the blood of smelters. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2015; 26:222-238. [PMID: 26418915 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2015.1089533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Disorders of paraoxonase and γ-glutamyltranspeptydase activities can induce development of the atherosclerotic process. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of occupational exposure to heavy metals, tobacco smoke and alcohol consumption on the activities of paraoxonase and γ-glutamyltranspeptydase as well as glutathione concentration. We have observed reduced paraoxonase activity and higher γ-glutamyltranspeptydase activity in serum of smelters when compared to control groups. In the blood of smoking smelters was demonstrated a negative correlation between paraoxonase activity and BMI value as well as between paraoxonase activity and tobacco smoke and consumption of 40% alcohol. Also, negative correlation was found for the activity of paraoxonase and glutathione concentration as well as γ-glutamyltranspeptydase activity. Higher γ-glutamyltranspeptydase activity and lower paraoxonase activity in the serum of smelters exposed to heavy metals and tobacco smoke can cause disorders in functioning of the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bizoń
- a Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis , Wroclaw Medical University , Wrocław , Poland
| | - Marta Kepinska
- a Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis , Wroclaw Medical University , Wrocław , Poland
| | - Krzysztof Snacki
- b Faculty of Pharmacy, Students Scientific Society at the Department of Biomedical Environmental Analysis , Wroclaw Medical University , Wrocław , Poland
| | - Halina Milnerowicz
- a Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis , Wroclaw Medical University , Wrocław , Poland
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Saliu A, Adebayo O, Kofoworola O, Babatunde O, Ismail A. Comparative assessment of blood lead levels of automobile technicians in organised and roadside garages in Lagos, Nigeria. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 2015:976563. [PMID: 25759723 PMCID: PMC4338385 DOI: 10.1155/2015/976563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 12/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to lead is common among automobile technicians and constitutes 0.9% of total global health burden with a majority of cases in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the blood lead levels of automobile technicians in roadside and organised garages in Lagos State, Nigeria. This was a comparative cross-sectional study. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Physical examinations were conducted and blood was analysed for lead using atomic spectrophotometery. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the median blood lead levels of each group using the independent sample (Mann-Whitney U) test. Seventy-three (40.3%) of the organised compared to 59 (34.3%) of the roadside groups had high blood lead levels. The organised group had statistically significant higher median blood lead levels of, 66.0 µg/dL than the roadside 43.5 µg/dL (P < 0.05). There was also statistically significant association between high blood lead levels and abnormal discolouration of the mucosa of the mouth in the organised group. Automobile technicians in organised garages in Lagos have higher prevalence of elevated blood lead levels and higher median levels than the roadside group. Preventive strategies against lead exposures should be instituted by the employers and further actions should be taken to minimize exposures, improve work practices, implement engineering controls (e.g., proper ventilation), and ensure the use of personal protective equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulsalam Saliu
- Department of Community Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Onajole Adebayo
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Odeyemi Kofoworola
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ogunowo Babatunde
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Abdussalam Ismail
- Epidemiology Unit, Directorate of Public Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
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Khlifi R, Olmedo P, Gil F, Feki-Tounsi M, Chakroun A, Rebai A, Hamza-Chaffai A. Blood nickel and chromium levels in association with smoking and occupational exposure among head and neck cancer patients in Tunisia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 20:8282-8294. [PMID: 23625117 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1466-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) has long been recognized as being capable to increase head and neck cancer (HNC) incidence among exposed human populations. This study represents the first biomonitoring of Cr and Ni exposure in Tunisia and focuses on a possible association with HNC risk. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the concentrations of Cr and Ni in the blood of HNC patients and controls. Metals blood levels of 169 HNC patients and 351 controls were determined using a Perkin-Elmer Analyst 800 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Mean blood levels of Cr and Ni in HNC cases (52.15 and 111.60 μg/L, respectively) were significantly higher than those of controls (37.04 and 30.50 μg/L, respectively). Cases' blood levels of Cr and Ni were significantly higher than those of controls after controlling for the other risk factors of HNC, including smoking, shisha consumption, occupational exposure, and nearby environment (P<0.05). Among these risk factors, smoking and occupational exposure presented the most significant association with HNC (odds ratio (OR)=6.54 and 7.66, respectively, P<0.001). Cr and Ni levels in blood sample of cases and controls that are smoker/occupationally exposed were higher than that of non-smoker/non-occupationally exposed (P<0.05). Smokers who are occupationally exposed present the most significant association with HNC (OR=25.08, P<0.0001). High levels of blood Cr (OR=2.09) and high levels of blood Ni (OR=8.87) were strongly associated with HNC after other potential confounders were controlled (P=0.004 and P<0.0001, respectively). This study suggested a potential role of Cr and Ni in the mechanism of HNC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rim Khlifi
- Unit of Marine and Environmental Toxicology, UR 09-03, Sfax University, IPEIS, BP 1172, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia,
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Rodrigues EG, Virji MA, McClean MD, Weinberg J, Woskie S, Pepper LD. Personal exposure, behavior, and work site conditions as determinants of blood lead among bridge painters. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2010; 7:80-87. [PMID: 19953411 PMCID: PMC2791321 DOI: 10.1080/15459620903418316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Bridge painters are exposed to lead during several job tasks performed during the workday, such as sanding, scraping, and blasting. After the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard was passed in 1993 to control lead exposures among construction workers including bridge painters, this study was conducted among 84 bridge painters in the New England area to determine the significant predictors of blood lead levels. Lead was measured in personal air and hand wipe samples that were collected during the 2-week study period and in blood samples that were collected at the beginning and at the end of the study period. The personal air and hand wipe data as well as personal behaviors (i.e., smoking, washing, wearing a respirator) and work site conditions were analyzed as potential determinants of blood lead levels using linear mixed effects models. Our results show that the mean air lead levels over the 2-week period were the most predictive exposure measure of blood lead levels. Other individual-level significant predictors of blood lead levels included months worked on bridge painting crews, education, and personal hygiene index. Of the site-level variables investigated, having a containment facility on site was a significant predictor of blood lead levels. Our results also indicate that hand wipe lead levels were significantly associated with higher blood lead levels at the end of the study period compared with the beginning of the study period. Similarly, smoking on site and respirator fit testing were significantly associated with higher blood lead levels at the end of the study period. This study shows that several individual-level and site-level factors are associated with blood lead levels among bridge painters, including lead exposure through inhalation and possible hand-to-mouth contact, personal behaviors such as smoking on site, respirator fit testing, and work site conditions such as the use of better containment facilities. Accordingly, reduction in blood lead levels among bridge painters can be achieved by improving these workplace practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ema G Rodrigues
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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Working conditions, job dissatisfaction and smoking behaviours among French clerks and manual workers. J Occup Environ Med 2009; 51:343-50. [PMID: 19225420 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e31819464fe] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the relationships between working conditions, job dissatisfaction and smoking behaviors among clerks and manual workers. METHODS We used data from the French Health Barometer, a cross-sectional telephone survey conducted among a national random sample (N = 4825). Regarding working conditions, the questionnaire dealt with reported job satisfaction, psychological demands and mental workload, physical demands, latitude decision and work schedule. RESULTS Manual workers and clerks who reported strong dissatisfaction toward unhealthy working conditions also reported more frequently current smoking, tobacco dependence, potential alcohol dependence and perceived stress. After adjusting for socio-demographic confounders, perceived working conditions and job dissatisfaction remained correlated with smoking and tobacco dependence. CONCLUSIONS Poor working conditions may heavily contribute to health inequalities, as they are likely to fuel both stress and unhealthy behaviors, which combine to increase morbidity and mortality.
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Chen CJ, Shih TS, Chang HY, Yu HS, Wu JD, Sheu SC, Wu CE, Chou TC. The total body burden of chromium associated with skin disease and smoking among cement workers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2008; 391:76-81. [PMID: 18054992 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2006] [Revised: 11/02/2007] [Accepted: 11/05/2007] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand eczema and other skin diseases have been associated with the exposure of chromium among cement workers. Studies on skin disease and other factors associated with the body burden of chromium are limited. OBJECTIVE The present study investigated the role of skin disease and smoking in the association with body burden of chromium among cement workers. METHODS Forty-five workers (38 men and 7 women) were recruited for this study and interviewed to obtain information on demographic status, lifestyle, employment history, and affecting factors. Urine samples were collected to measure the urinary chromium concentration to represent the body burden of chromium. RESULTS The average urinary chromium concentration was approximately 6 times higher in non-smoking workers with hand eczema than in non-smoking workers with no skin disease (45.5 vs. 7.6 microg/L). The average chromium level increase to 87.0 microg/L for smokers with the disease. Compared with workers with no hand eczema, the odds ratio of having urinary chromium concentration exceeding the biological exposure index level significantly increased to 11.6 (95% CI=1.3-102.2) for non-smoking workers with skin disease, and to 48.0 (95% CI=4.5-510.8) for smoking workers with skin disease. The multiple regression analysis showed that the use of gloves may reduce significantly the chromium exposure. CONCLUSIONS Inadequate protection and personal behavior increase the internal dose of chromium in cement workers. Total body burden of chromium are higher among cement workers with skin disease and smoking habit. These workers deserve intervention education on personal hygiene to reduce the exposure of chromium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiou-Jong Chen
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Council of Labor Affairs, No. 99 Lane 407, Heng-Ke Road, Shijr City, Taipei, Taiwan
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Blando JD, Lefkowitz DK, Valiante D, Gerwel B, Bresnitz E. Survey of current lead use, handling, hygiene, and contaminant controls among New Jersey industries. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2007; 4:539-46. [PMID: 17558800 DOI: 10.1080/15459620701426214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In 2003, a chemical handling and use survey was mailed to New Jersey employers identified as currently using lead in their industrial processes. This survey was used to ascertain characteristics about lead use, handling, and protection of employees during manufacturing operations. The survey included a diverse group of current lead users with a total lead use range from less than 1 pound to more than 63 million pounds of lead per year. The survey allowed for a comprehensive characterization of hazards and protective measures associated with this metal, still commonly used in many products and industrial processes. Forty-five surveys were returned by companies that are listed in the New Jersey Adult Blood Lead Registry, which is part of the New Jersey Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance (ABLES) program. This program records and investigates cases of adults with greater than 25 mu g/dL of lead in their blood; most cases are related to occupational exposures. This survey found that greater than 25% of these surveyed companies with significant potential for lead exposure did not employ commonly used and basic industrial hygiene practices. In addition, the survey found that 24% of these companies had not conducted air sampling within the last 3 years. Air sampling is the primary trigger for compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) general industry lead standard. Only 17% of the companies have ever been cited for a violation of the OSHA lead standard, and only 46% of these companies have ever had an OSHA inspection. State-based surveillance can be a useful tool for OSHA enforcement activities. Elevated blood lead values in adults should be considered as a trigger for required compliance with an OSHA general industry lead standard.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Blando
- New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services-Occupational Health Surveillance, Trenton, NJ 08625-0360, USA
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