Exposure of automobile technicians to lead (bP) and self reported health sysmtoms 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 (WHO, 2013). 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 (ILO, 2002).
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 selfreported 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
iv
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
Exposure, Automobile technicians, Health sysmtoms, Male adults, Sunyani municipal magazine