Abstract
Background Metal artisans have been using lead and mercury in their settings for centuries. Exposure to these toxic heavy metals causes adverse health effects. We assessed the occupational exposure of metal artisans and their high-risk household contacts at Thimphu, Bhutan. Methods A cross-sectional study in which 134 metal artisan center employees and 48 high-risk household contacts were tested for blood lead and mercury levels. Sociodemographic data, occupational exposure risk factors, and clinical syndrome related to lead and mercury exposure were further obtained and analyzed using EpiInfo 7.0. Results The mean age of the metal artisan center employees was 36.02 ± 10.3. The prevalence of elevated blood lead and mercury level was 38.4% and 51.9%, respectively. Significantly higher prevalence of mercury level was observed among the artisans compared to nonartisans (66.97 vs, 16.0). Among three centers, the goldsmith section of the Department of National Properties had the highest (94.1%). Profession as an artisan, mold designing, performing gold amalgamation, working for >8 hours a day, working for >5 years, and working at home were significant risk factors associated with elevated blood mercury level. Significant association was observed between elevated mercury level and complaints of burning or watery eyes (p=0.001), anxiety, nervousness, irritability, severe shyness (p=0.001), anxiety, nervousness, irritability, severe shyness (p=0.001), anxiety, nervousness, irritability, severe shyness (p=0.001), anxiety, nervousness, irritability, severe shyness (p=0.029), muscle aches (p=0.019), and stomach cramps or pain (p=0.009). Conclusion The prevalence of elevated blood mercury level is concerning among the artisans. Advocacy, proper usage of personal protective equipment, awareness on chemical safety, and hazard associated with lead and mercury usage are needed to minimize the exposure.
Highlights
Mercury and lead are toxic heavy metals used worldwide causing a huge threat to human and environmental health [1, 2]. e Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) currently ranks lead and mercury as 2nd and 3rd on their substance priority list based upon the combination of their frequency of toxicity and potential for human exposure [3].Lead and mercury exposure can occur through the respiratory, gastrointestinal system, and dermal contact [4]
A majority of the study participants was from DNP comprising 58.10%, while Dharma ACC and Druk Bronze Casting Centre employees comprised 32.09% and 9.7%, respectively. e metal artisan employees’ age ranged from 17 to 70 years with the mean age of 36.02 ± 10.3 years, and most of the employees were at the age of 25–34 years
Of the total 177 participants, 68 (38.40%) had elevated blood lead levels (>5 μg/dL interpreted as the abnormal level of lead in blood) and 92 (51.98%) had elevated blood mercury levels (>10 μg/L interpreted as the abnormal level of lead in blood), respectively
Summary
Metal artisans have been using lead and mercury in their settings for centuries. We assessed the occupational exposure of metal artisans and their high-risk household contacts at imphu, Bhutan. A cross-sectional study in which 134 metal artisan center employees and 48 high-risk household contacts were tested for blood lead and mercury levels. E prevalence of elevated blood lead and mercury level was 38.4% and 51.9%, respectively. Profession as an artisan, mold designing, performing gold amalgamation, working for >8 hours a day, working for >5 years, and working at home were significant risk factors associated with elevated blood mercury level. Significant association was observed between elevated mercury level and complaints of burning or watery eyes (p 0.001), anxiety, nervousness, irritability, severe shyness (p 0.029), muscle aches (p 0.019), and stomach cramps or pain (p 0.009). E prevalence of elevated blood mercury level is concerning among the artisans. Proper usage of personal protective equipment, awareness on chemical safety, and hazard associated with lead and mercury usage are needed to minimize the exposure
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