Abstract
Lead acid batteries are widely used, dependable, and inexpensive. Lead from these batteries can contaminate the surrounding ecosystem due to improper disposal and contribute to lead poisoning. Lead poisoning is an important public health issue that can cause adverse human health impacts. The present study aimed to assess exposure to lead released from automobile repair shops handling lead acid batteries in the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh, as well as shop owner and worker perceptions of lead pollution. Ten dust samples were collected for atomic absorption spectrophotometer analysis to determine the concentration of lead. In addition, a questionnaire survey (N=75) was conducted to determine the level of knowledge of lead exposure and associated risks. Lead contamination was found in all dust samples, with lead concentrations ranging from 11.40 ppm to greater than 1000 ppm. In addition, 80% of respondents did not have any knowledge about the harmful effects of lead pollution. The present study suggests the importance of defining permissible air lead levels and improving worker education on lead pollution. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Department of Environmental Science, Stamford University, Bangladesh. The authors declare no competing financial interests.
Highlights
Advances in technology have led to a high level of industrialization that can result in the discharge of heavy metals into the environment
In addition to repair activities, workshops associated with samples 3, 4, and 5 carry out informal used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) processing
During the reconditioning of ULABs, the process of breaking down parts within the shop can release a large amount of leaded dusts into the surrounding environment
Summary
Advances in technology have led to a high level of industrialization that can result in the discharge of heavy metals into the environment. Children work in the lead processing industry as a means of contributing to family income.[2,3] Lead used by industries comes from mined ores (primary), lead-acid batteries (secondary), and recycled scrap metals. Most of the lead involved in global commerce is obtained from recycled, used lead-acid batteries (ULABs). Lead acid batteries are widely used, dependable, and inexpensive. Lead from these batteries can contaminate the surrounding ecosystem due to improper disposal and contribute to lead poisoning. The present study aimed to assess exposure to lead released from automobile repair shops handling lead acid batteries in the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh, as well as shop owner and worker perceptions of lead pollution. The present study suggests the importance of defining permissible air lead levels and improving worker education on lead pollution.
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