Environmental Working Conditions, Lung Function and Total Serum Bile Acids of Spray Painters Exposed to Organic Solvents in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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Date
2017-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
JH&P
Abstract
Nigeria has a growing spray painting industry, however, the burden of
occupational health problems related to organic solvent exposure among spray painters in
Nigeria is under-studied. This study aimed to assess workshop characteristics and ambient concentration of
total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in spray painting workshops and to compare lung
function status and total serum bile acid levels of spray painters and controls. A cross-sectional study design was employed to survey 120 spray painters and 120
controls (electronic technicians). A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data
on socio-demographics characteristics of the respondents. Weight, height and lung function
of respondents were measured. In addition, a checklist was used to survey the spray painting
workshops. Total VOC levels were determined in 37 spray painting and 31 electronic workshops.
Data were analyzed using Statistical Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and a
p-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Windows were present in only 5 (13.5%) spray painting workshops and 23 (62%)
workshops had a retractable tarpaulin at the entrance. Only 9 (24%) workshops had changing
rooms, while fire extinguishers and first aid kits were not present in any of the surveyed
workshops. A respirator with filter was sighted in only 1 (3%) workshop. The 8-hour time
weighted average concentration of total VOCs in spray painting workshops was 13.4 ppm,
which is above the national permissible exposure limits of 1.9 ppm. Forced vital capacity (FVC)
percent predicted was significantly lower in spray painters (93.9 ±10.8%) than controls (96.7±
8.2%) (t = -2.326, df=238 p< 0.001). In addition, forced expiratory volume in the first second
(FEV1) percent predicted was lower in spray painters (94.6±12.2%) than controls (100.3±9.1%)
(t=-4.058, df=238, p=0.002). FEV1/FVC% was significantly lower among spray painters
(85.48±8.70%) compared with controls (87.88±6.22%) (t=-2.861 df=238, p= 0.005). Total serum
bile acids was significantly elevated in painters (8.71±3.39 mmol/l) compared to controls (4.67
±2.15 mmol/l) (t=10.358, df=213, p<0.05). Spray painters in the present study conduct their activities in hazardous work
settings. More needs to be done concerning workplace regulation and enforcements to ensure
that spray painters comply with minimum standards of occupational safety, workplace hygiene
and sanitation. Obtained Ethical approval was granted by the Health Research and Ethics Committee of
the Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University.The authors declare no competing financial interests.
Description
International Journal of Health & Pollution, 7(13): 2–10
Keywords
spray painters, volatile organic compounds, lung function, total serum bile acids, workshops, Nigeria