Occupational Hazard and Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Battery Workers in Nnewi South, Eastern Nigeria. Isife, Chima Theresa

Occupational hazard or risk is a situation that could be dangerous and it is associated with the person’s job or profession. The aim of this work is to find the effect of lead on renal function, the (Hb) and (PCV) in battery workers exposed to lead in Nnewi, Anambra state of Eastern Nigeria, and relating the exposure to health effects. 5 ml of blood were collected from each subject and dispensed in plain tubes for biochemical analyses. Lead was determined by the method of Hassel, (1968) using (AAS). Creatinine was determined by method of Bartels, (1972). Urea (urea/BUN) was determined by the method of Chaney, (1962). Uric acid was determined by method of Fossati, 1980. PCV was determined by the method of Dacie and Lewis, (1984). The study also used interview and observation to elucidate some information. Data were analyzed using Student t-test and ANOVA. The result shows that there was a significance difference in the blood lead, PCV and Hb of the exposed group, lead ( 23.05± 1.77), PCV (36.12±5.30), Hb (12.63±2.83) when compared with controls, lead (10.06±1.29), PCV (41.77±3.27), Hb (13.39±11.4, P<0.000). There was a significance difference in the exposed group in Urea (6.66±1.25), creatinine, (111.25±20.72) and uric acid (401.41±41.21.6) when compared with the controls, urea (4.93±1.04,P<0.00), creatinine (67.64±15.38, P< 0.00) and uric acid (331.39±69.69, P< 0.00). There was a significant difference in the effect of lead on the renal function in the short term and in the long term exposure. In short term, urea, (6.51±1.27) creatinine 108.91±21, lead (22.71±1.86) urea (7.22±1.01, P<0.018) creatinine (119.54±17.03, P<0.033) lead (24.04±0.76, P<0.002). It is concluded that Lead toxicity is prevalent in occupationally exposed battery worker. It is recommended that occupationally exposed subjects should be routinely checked for their blood lead level. They should remove their work clothes before entering their homes. They should be taking diet rich in calcium and iron.