Heliyon (Sep 2024)
Effects of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content from paint on automobile paint workers in Nsukka, South Eastern Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) fume in the workplace can act as an inducing agent to many health disorders. Objectives: This work investigated the effects of exposure to VOCs content from paint on the automobile paint workers in South Eastern Nigeria. Methods: A total of fifty (50) respondent participated in the study. Following the completion of informed consent form and well-structured questionnaire, blood samples were drawn and used for biochemical analysis. Results: The results of the haematological analysis showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in white blood cell (WBC) cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), and platelet (PLT), and a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (HB), lymphocytes (LYM) and eosinophil (EOS) of the exposed automobile paint workers compared to the control (unexposed workers). Results also showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in liver marker indices; alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TB) and albumin (ALB) as well as significant (p < 0.05) decrease in Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), direct bilirubin (DB). There was significant (p < 0.05) increase in urea, creatinine, potassium (K+), uric acid and nitric oxide concentrations and decrease in sodium (Na+) and bicarbonate (HCO3−) Again, results showed significant increase in Glutathione (GSH), and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and significant (p < 0.05) decrease in Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT). The Malondialdehyde MDA concentration showed varied significant (p < 0.05) difference based on ages. There was significant (p < 0.05) increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the Testosterone (TET) concentrations of the exposed automobile paint workers compared to the unexposed workers. Conclusions: Result of this study suggests a toxic outcome due to exposure to VOCs in spray paint workers.