TOXICOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF HEAVY METALS IN FINGERNAILS OF WELDING WORKERS AT ARBAMINCH TOWN, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Heavy metals generated from welding activities poses significant health risks to workers, especially in developing nations like Ethiopia, where safety measures are often inadequate. This study intends to investigate the level of toxic and heavy metal such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) in the fingernails of welders living in Arba Minch Town and to assess the factors influence the level of heavy metal accumulations in welder’s body. A preliminary survey analysis was conducted over two months from February to March 2016. E.C. Fingernails samples were collected from 35 male welders and 10 university lecturers (control group). In the same time questionnaire was filled by welders. The sample was digested using acid digestion method and the concentrations of heavy metals were determined by spectrometry (FAAS). The mean level of heavy metals in the welders and control group were found to be statistically significant for all heavy metal (p<0.05). The mean level of heavy metals in participant fingernail were; 40.51±17.53μg/g & 5.68±4.4614 μg/g for Pb, 12.09±5.96 μg/g & 2.54±2.09 μg/g for Ni, 50.19±25.77 μg/g & 5.96±6.19 μg/g for Cu, 11.44±5.03 μg/g & 0.08±0.03 for Mn, 0.166±0.035 & 0.08±0.03 μg/g for Cr, and 0.873±0.49 μg/g & 0.56±0.28 μg/g for Cd respectively. The highest average concentrations of Ni (15.19±4.27 μg/g), Cu (73.22±32.93 μg/g), and Mn (14.42±3.16 μg/g) were found in welders who smoked cigarettes. In contrast, the levels of Pb (64.43±7.74 μg/g) and Cd (1.51±0.64 μg/g) were significantly higher in welders who were Khat and cigarette users. Age and working experience of welders were positively correlated with the mean level of all heavy metals. Furthermore, welders not using personal protective equipment (PPE) exhibited significantly higher metal concentrations compared to who did not use. The finding of the study clearly shows that welding workers in Arba Minch Town have been exposed to elevated levels of toxic heavy metals. Thus they are in the risk of health problem due to chronic exposure to welding fumes. Therefore, this study emphasizes the need for detailed toxicological and epidemiological studies among welding workers to enhance occupational safety in the workplace.