Work Practices and Health Problems of Spray Painters Exposed to Organic Solvents in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

Background. Automobile spray painters in Nigeria are exposed to organic solvents due to the hazardous nature of their work. Inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may intensify exposure to high levels of chemical hazards with resultant health problems. Objectives. The present study assessed PPE use and work practices and compared work-related health problems of spray painters and controls in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 spray painters and 120 controls (electronic technicians). Data on socio-demographics, work practices, knowledge about organic solvent-related hazards and self-reported health symptoms were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire. Clinical examinations were performed for all respondents and the composition of organic solvents in paints and paint products were derived from material safety data sheets. Results. All respondents were male, and the mean age was 32.7±13.8 years for painters and 33.9±15.5 years for controls. Few (7.5%) painters perceived their use of PPE to be adequate. All spray painters worked in enclosed workshops and N-butyl acetate was the most commonly used organic solvent. Spray painters reported excessive tear production, recurrent cough, and short-term memory loss more frequently than controls (P<0.05). In addition, 89% of painters noticed paint-stained sputum immediately after spray painting. The prevalence ratio of respiratory symptoms was higher in spray painters than controls (prevalence ratio=21.0, CI=2.9–153.6). On clinical examination, more spray painters had corneal opacity and dry skin when compared with controls (P<0.05). Conclusions. Spray painters in the study area worked amidst chemical hazards and had poor use of PPE. Exposure to organic solvents may be responsible for the higher prevalence of self-reported health problems among spray painters. Interventions to enforce the use of PPE and improve the knowledge of organic solvent-related hazards among spray painters are essential. Participant Consent. Obtained Ethics Approval. Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from the Health Research and Ethics Committee of the Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Nigeria (HREC No: IPHOAU/12/463). Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Effect of Volatile Organic Compounds on Pulmonary Functions Among Paint Industry Workers of Unorganized Sectors

“…Furthermore, there was a significant moderate negative correlation between FEV1, and FVC with both work experience and cumulative VOC exposure index. Several epidemiological studies have reported similar findings [10,[21][22][23], however, few studies conducted among organized sectors like shipyard and automobile industries have shown no differences in the PFT parameters such as FEV1 and FVC among painters compared to that of the matched unexposed individual [24,25]. A few of the contributing factors that might reduce the pulmonary functions in these unorganized sectors are inadequate health awareness, lack of usage of PPE, and non-adherence to safety measures and protocols by the employees and the employers of these sectors [26].…”

“…The sample size was calculated using the formula n = Z21-α/2 PQ/L2, where Z = 1.96 [95% confidence interval (CI)] and P is the prevalence (P) of respiratory symptoms (wheezing: 7.5%) among spray painters exposed to volatile organic compounds and paint solvents in Nigeria [10], Q=1-P, and with a tolerable level of error (L) of 5% and the appropriate sample size (n=107) was derived.…”

“…Various epidemiological studies conducted globally have documented respiratory, neurobehavioral, and hematological effects of exposure to VOCs present in paints and organic solvents [6][7][8][9][10]. However, the majority of these studies have focused on organized sectors such as the automobile industry, shipyard painters, and large-scale paint workers.…”

Evaluation of Skin Absorption Potential of Chemicals Relevant to Painting Trades

“…that are used in painting activities. Several investigations have indicated causal relationship between occupational exposure of painters to chemicals and its negative health outcomes, including increased DNA damage, genomic instability, and alterations in cellular kinetics. − Exposure to emitted volatile chemicals from paint mixtures is a potential risk factor for developing respiratory illness among painters. − Other suggested systemic health effects attributed to the exposure of paint chemicals are hematological, immunological, cardiovascular diseases, congenital malformations in offspring, and cancer. − The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified “occupational exposure as a painter” is carcinogenic to humans (group 1)…”