Oxidative Stress Indices as Markers of Lead and Cadmium Exposure Toxicity in Auto Technicians in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Auto technicians (auto mechanics, panel beaters, battery chargers, and auto painters) are among the most valuable work force in the society. Reports on oxidative stress in persons occupationally exposed to mixed chemicals abound; however, few have narrowed down specifically on auto technicians, while even fewer have stratified the exposure in the different subgroups of auto technicians. This study evaluated the antioxidant status in auto technicians routinely exposed to lead and cadmium and stratified the results of exposure by different subgroups of auto technicians in Ibadan, Nigeria. Sixty-five apparently healthy males (aged 18 to 65years) were selected based on specific inclusion criteria using a structured questionnaire. Thirty-four were cases consisting of participants routinely working as auto technicians or apprentices(≥2years) while controls were thirty-one nonoccupationally exposed male members of staff/students of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Blood was collected from all participants and analyzed for the presence of lead, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total plasma peroxides (TPP); oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Urine samples collected from all participants were analyzed for the presence of urinary lead and cadmium using standard laboratory methods. Although values of TAC in cases (22538±8726.54) were not statistically different from what was obtained in controls (26741.87±8696.68), TPP and OSI were statistically higher in cases than in controls (183.88±53.39 and 120.16±70.54, respectively, and 0.93±0.45 and 0.49±0.33, respectively). The blood lead level in cases (10.11±4.47) was significantly higher than in controls (7.72±1.22) while elevated urinary lead and cadmium levels were observed in cases (0.65±0.21 and 0.34±0.11, respectively) compared to controls (0.52±0.19 and 0.27±0.10, respectively). Raised TPP and OSI levels—hallmark of active lipid peroxidation—found to be highest among panel beaters compared to others may be prognostic of membrane-damaging diseases in this subgroup of auto technicians.

Prolonged blood coagulation time among occupationally exposed automobile technicians in Abeokuta, Nigeria

“…Automobile technicians also had higher odds of elevated BLL than controls. This finding could account for workplace-related toxic metal exposure among automobile technicians and supports previous reports of elevated blood Pb in automobile technicians compared to controls (Abdulsalam et al, 2015;Omotosho, 2019).…”

Symptoms Associated with Low Threshold Lead Poisoning Among Roadside and Organized Panel Beaters in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria

“…Other practices include repair of chips and scuffs, polishing and waxing, glass and interior repair, and wheel refinishing. 1 Panel beaters operate in both the informal sector (operating along roadsides) and the formal organized sector. Organized panel beaters are those working in sectors with rules and requirements set by the government and the sector is governed by acts such as the Factories Act, 2 labor laws, and Employee Compensation Act; 3 they practice with safety precautions and have fixed working hours.…”

“… 5 They occur in severe multi–systemic clinical forms: abdominal colic, joint and muscle pain, wrist and ankle drop, fine tremors, diminished visual intelligence and motor coordination, short term memory loss, irritability, encephalopathy, lethargy, delirium, convulsions, coma, fatigue, weakness, excessive tiredness, constipation, anorexia, persistent vomiting, impotence, infertility and reduced sex drive. 1 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 These toxicities are common at blood lead levels of 40 μg/dL and above. 10 , 11 The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has stated that blood lead levels (BLLs) should be controlled at 20 ug/dL.…”

“…13 Prevention measures and campaigns that lead to the removal of leaded paints in 1921 and leaded gasoline in the 1980s–90s resulted in significant lowering of Pb levels. 1 , 14 In 1978, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) required interventions for adult workers at a BLL of 10 μg/dL and above. 15 In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set a threshold for elevated BLL for children at 5 μg/dL.…”

Association between Lead Exposure and Haematological Parameters among Roadside and Organized Panel Beaters in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria

“…They occur in severe clinical and subclinical/asymptomatic forms [4]. Panel beaters are part of automobile technicians whose occupational activities of vehicle body repairs, cutting, soldering, and spray painting expose them to lead poisoning [12]. This occupational group operates in different forms and organizations.…”