BLOOD LEAD LEVELS IN AUTO-MECHANICS, PETROL STATION ATTENDANTS AND FULANI CATTLE REARERS IN ILORIN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Lead substances and exhaust from automobiles pose both environmental and health hazard. The occupational handling of leaded petrol, exposure to exhaust as well as the increase in the number of car- wash centres discharging their waste water into streams increase the predisposition to lead and associated health hazard. There have not been studies on blood lead levels in auto-mechanics, petrol station attendants and herdsmen in the area. The main objective of the study was to measure the blood lead levels in the three different occupational groups, viz. automobile mechanics, petrol station attendants and Fulani herdsmen in llorin West LGA of Kware State, Nigeria. The study had descriptive and laboratory components. Purposive sampling was used to select 41 mechanics, 40 petrol attendants and 29 Fulani herdsmen. Semi structured questionnaire: was administered to the 110 respondents. The information collected included demographic characteristics, occupational features and perceived health problems. Food habits of the selected respondents were documented and venous blood samples were collected at two periods in time; during panic buying and normal sale and samples of fodders collected around where cattle grazes were analysed for lead using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer Bulk 200. The blood levels of calcium and zinc were also determined. The data were analysed using x², correlation, t- and F- tests. The mean ages of auto- mechanics, petrol station attendants and Fulani herdsmen were 32.4, 32.7 and 27.5 respectively. Ninety-eight percent of the auto-mobile mechanics and 100% of the petrol station attendants used petrol as solvent for removing grease or as hand wash. Ninety-one percent of auto-mechanics and petrol attendants siphoned it from automobile tank with mouth and rubber hose. Ninety-three percent of auto-mechanics and 87.5% of petrol attendants used plastic containers for carrying petrol. During the panic buying period in 2004, the auto-mechanics, petrol station attendants and herdsmen had mean blood lead (ug/dl) of 20.1 (±4.2), 14.2 (±3.2) and 2.2 (±2.3) respectively and during the normal sale, they had 17.8 (±4.6), 11.5 (±3.1) and 1.9 (±2.1) respectively. The values during both periods were less than the WHO limit of 25 ug/dl. A strong positive correlation existed between blood lead levels in both periods (r=0.965 and p<0.05). Significant relationship was observed between the blood lead levels and occupation in both periods with (p < 0.05). In auto- mechanics and petrol station attendants, lead levels positively correlated with length of contact in both periods (r =0.255, p <0.05 and r= 0.331, p < 0.05) respectively. Significant relationship was observed between fodder and lead (p<0.05). Lead levels negatively correlated with the blood calcium and zinc levels in both periods. The auto-mechanics are more predisposed to environmental lead absorption. Risk of high lead was higher in the auto-mechanics than others. The low blood lead in herdsmen indicated some level of exposure through the food chain because analyses of fodder consumed by cattle during grazing showed lead. There is need for the replacement of leaded petrol with unleaded one or absolute spirit.