Exposure of automobile technicians to lead (pb) and self reported health symptoms among male adults in the Sunyani municipal magazine
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Date
NOVEMBER, 2019
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Abstract
Background: Lead (Pb) is found naturally at diminutive levels in earth crust, largely
as lead sulfide. However, as an industrial metal its presence in the environment could
largely be attributed to anthropogenic activities. Lead (Pb) exposure account for
143000 deaths annually and 0.6% of the global burden of disease. Lead (Pb)
intoxication occurs when people who directly or indirectly interact with the metal
(lead) are exposed to inorganic lead (Pb) chemical or other materials that may habour
lead (Pb) as its component.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to December 2017 among
male adults between age 18 and 60 years old working in the Sunyani Municipal
Magazine. 200 respondents were randomly selected from the garages association
register. Data was collected using well-structured questionnaire containing both open
and close-ended questions whereas urine sample were collected using acid-washed,
decontaminated 20ml polyethylene containers and sent to Ghana Standard Authority
for the analysis. Descriptive statistics as well as tests for associations using Chi square
and multiple logistic regression were conducted between the outcome and
independent variables
Results: The mean urine lead level in all 200 respondents was 3.78µg/L with a
standard deviation of 3.12µg/L. However, Radiator repairers (5.28µg/L) recorded the
highest urine lead level, followed by Battery charging specialist (4.96µg/L), Spray
painters (4.44µg/L) and then Mechanics (3.53µg/L). Auto-electricians recorded the
least mean urine lead level of 1.94µg/L. There was association between urine Pb level
and self-reported health symptoms of respondents. The mean urine lead level among
respondents who reported to have hypertension, Chest pains, Heart palpitation, Low
libido, Reduced sperm count, Anemia, Headache, Dullness, Muscular tremor, Loss of
memory, poor attention span, Irritability, Stuff nose rhinitis, chest tightness and
wheezing had significantly higher compared to the mean urine lead levels of those
who did not have such symptoms (p-values <0.05)
Conclusion: Findings from this study have revealed that occupational factors,
awareness of Pb hazards, practice of personal hygiene and lifestyle factors were the
major factors that put automobile technician at risk of Pb exposure hence there is the
need for various control measures such as training and health education as
fundamental means in the prevention of lead exposures in automobile technicians.
Description
A thesis submitted to the School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of a Master’s Degree in Environment and Public Health.
Keywords
Automobile technicians, Health symptoms, Male adults, Sunyani