Evaluation of some heavy metal levels in blood of lead acid battery manufacturing factory workers in Nnewi, Nigeria

Abstract

Today, industrialization has been implicated in the generation of certain compounds which are potentially hazardous to human life. This is a cross sectional study designed to evaluate some heavy metal levels in blood of lead acid battery manufacturing factory workers in Nnewi, Nigeria. A total of 39 apparently healthy individuals in lead acid battery manufacturing factory aged between 19 and 56 years and 79 control individuals (comprising of 39 control individuals from Nnewi (N) and 40 control individuals from Elele (E) respectively) aged between 18 and 44 years were recruited for the study. Demographic data and body mass index (BMI) of participants were obtained using structured questionnaire and thereafter, 5ml of venous blood sample was collected from each individual for the evaluation of heavy metal levels (Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Se) using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results showed that the factory workers had an average length of service (LOS) of 7.70±0.86 years and BMI which did not differ significantly when compared with the control groups (control N and E individuals) respectively (p>0.05). However, elevated levels of Ni, As and Pb and decreased levels of Cu, Zn and Se were observed in the blood of the factory workers compared with control N and E individuals respectively (p<0.05). Therefore, this study has shown that these individuals may be prone to heavy metal toxicity and possible depletion on some vital micronutrients which may have grave health consequences for individuals dwelling in this area.