Effects of Automobile Workshop on Haematological Parameters of Auto Mechanics and Automobile Paint Sprayers in Benue State, Nigeria

This study evaluated the effect of these chemicals on Hematological parameters among the automobile spray painters (PNs) and mechanics automobile mechanics (MCs) in Makurdi Local Government, North Central, Nigeria. This study did a preliminary survey of various chemicals used auto workshops blood samples were collected from 105 participants divided into three groups (50 control, 55 auto mechanics, and 50 Spray Painters). This study found white blood cell count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and neutrophils, were significantly lower in spray painters and mechanics compared than control (p<0.05). Also, the values of Red blood cell, Haemoglobin, Haematocrit, Lymphocytes, and Monocytes were significantly higher in Automobile spray painters and Mechanics than in control (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in the values of Packed Cell Volume, Red cell Distribution Width, Platelet Distribution Width, and Platelet-Large Cell Ratio in cases and control. However, the values of Packed Cell Volume were higher in both spray painters and Mechanics than control and the percentage Red Cell Distribution Width was higher in the Control group than for Spray painters and Mechanics. The majority of the automobile workers were in danger of the health implications of these chemicals and other products they use in their daily activities. Abiodun Olaiya Paul, Abiodun Abiola Folake, Sunday E. Oni, Felix Olaniyi Sanni, Zachary Gwa Department of National Integrated Specimen Referral Network, AXIOS International, Utako, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria Department of Medical Laboratory Services, General Hospital Makurdi, Nigeria. Department of Public Health, Rivers State University, Portharcout, Nigeria Department of Global Health-WABCS, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, Department of Business Development, AXIOS International, Utako, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria, Submission: 25 May 2019 Accepted: 30 May 2019 Published: 30 June 2019 www.ijsrm.humanjournals.com Citation: Abiodun Olaiya Paul et al. Ijsrm.Human, 2019; Vol. 12 (4): 16-23. 17 INTRODUCTION Automobile mechanics and sprayers are at a higher risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals which may cause adverse health outcomes[1]. Automobile technicians are made up of mechanics, spray painters, panel beaters and auto electricians. Just like many other occupational groups, they are exposed to many occupationally related diseases[2]. Exposure to aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons has been reported to be harmful to the health of humans and animals[3]. Due to the volatility of these chemicals, they can be inhaled easily or easily absorbed through the skin, the harmful effects of which may be aggravated in ambient temperature regions like Nigeria[1]. The majority of these aromatic compounds found in petrochemicals may cause adverse health outcomes if exposure to these is not controlled[4]. Certain occupations such as automobile mechanics and sprayers are prone to immediate exposure to these hazardous chemicals through either inhalation, dermal exposure, or ingestion[1]. Their occupational exposure could range from routine transportation, distribution, inhalation of vehicle exhaust fumes, accidental spills, improper handling, and use of petroleum products to leaching of petroleum hydrocarbons[5]. Automobile mechanics sometimes siphon fuel with their mouth as when trying to initialize ignition[4], and the automobile sprayer may indirectly inhale these harmful compounds (despite using masks) during the painting of a vehicle surface [1]. Exposure to heavy metals may result in bone marrow suppression and consequently lead to ineffective hematopoiesis[6]. Studies have shown that aromatic chemicals affect the hematopoietic system by inhibiting the hemoglobin synthesis and suppressing important enzymes in the pathway of heme synthesis, thereby causing a reduction in life-span of erythrocytes [1,6]. On the other hand, exposure to aromatic chemicals has been reported to bind to bone marrow DNA, leading to chromosomal disorder[2,7,8]. Thus regular exposure to the harmful compounds due to chronic inhalation may stimulate undesirable effects on the hematopoietic system in human body systems[2]. This study was therefore conducted to assess the effect of automobile workshop on the health status of automobile mechanics and automobile paint sprayers in Makurdi local government, Benue State, Nigeria. www.ijsrm.humanjournals.com Citation: Abiodun Olaiya Paul et al. Ijsrm.Human, 2019; Vol. 12 (4): 16-23. 18 MATERIALS AND METHODS The factories where this study was carried out was the main location for major repairs for cars in Makurdi Local government, which consist of automobile spray painters (PNs) and automobile mechanics (MCs) among others. This facility had a staff strength of about 350 from which sampling was done, targeting the workers at high risk of occupational exposure and injuries. The total number of automobile spray painters (PNs) and mechanics automobile mechanics (MCs) was about 105. This group of workers forms the sample frame because they are more exposed to chemicals in their daily activities. The participants were divided into two groups which were the control group comprising of 50 participants and the subjects which comprised 55 mechanics and 50 automobile spray painter. All spray painters and auto mechanics in the selected small scale auto garages in the study area, who was directly involved in mechanical or spray painting activities and willing to participate in the study were included. Those that were not directly involved in spray painting and, spray painters who were not willing to participate were excluded from the study. Method of Sample Collection and analysis Samples were collected from workers during their routine work hours across their shops. About 3–4 mL venous blood from the antecubital vein of each participant was taken with the use of a 5-10mL disposable plastic syringe and immediately transferred to a sterile vacutainer which contains either K/ potassium–EDTA anticoagulant containers for analysis. All samples were analyzed immediately to avoid false positive results. With the aid of digital Sysmex customized automated hematology analyzer (KX-21), analysis of selected parameters was performed using whole blood approximately 50 (fifty) microlitres. Sysmex machine was also used to measure Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in 1 × 10/μL, the White Blood Cells (WBCs) in × 10/μL, Platelet Counts (PCs, in × 10/μL), Hemoglobin (Hb, in g/dL), Packed Cell Volume (PCV, in %), and Mean Corpuscle Volume (MCV, in ft) and urine was collected in sterile containers and analyzed immediately.