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ABSTRACT
Occupational metal recyclers might be exposed to harmful effects of particulate matters, toxic heavy metals, oxidative stress and haematological alterations due to skin contact with the metal dusts that's been recycled from metals. The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of metal recycling on full blood count and some anti-oxidants parameters among occupationally exposed participants in Benin Metropolis. This is a case-control study conducted among 50 participants (age range 18-35years) comprising of 30 exposed metal Recyclers and 20 apparently healthy non-exposed, age-matched control participants. Socio-demographic data, occupational history, use of personal protective equipment and years of exposure were obtained using a semistructured questionnaire. Venous blood samples were obtained and used for the determination of full blood count and differential blood count using Sysmex haematological auto-anlyzer. Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) were determined by spectrophotometeric method. Data were analysed using Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 28. Analysis of variance, Student T-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to compare and correlate the variables between the groups. Haematological profiles reveal that Red Cell Distribution Widths (RDW) exposed (41.66±5.10); control (44.66±5.16) and Lymphocyte (LYM) (43.10±8.59); control (50.87±8.69) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) among exposed metal recyclers than controls. Similarly, White Blood Cell (WBC) exposed (7.11±1.84); control (5.08±1.45) was significantly increased (p<0.001) among exposed metal recyclers than non-exposed. Levels of Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) exposed (144.67±28.53); control (61.15±14.63), Malondialdehyde (MDA) exposed (610.43±211.40); control (403.75±87.05) and Catalase (CAT) (4.65±0.54); control (3.64±0.42) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) among exposed metal recyclers than controls. Serum level of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) exposed (4.28±4.46); control (3.20±1.73) was significantly higher (p <0.05), which is not statistically significant among exposed metal recyclers than nonexposed. This study demonstrated that occupational exposure to metal recycling activities in Benin Metropolis has a noticeable impact on the participants' full blood count and antioxidant parameters. This suggests potential health risks associated with such exposure, emphasizing the need for stricter occupational safety measures and further research into mitigating these effects. Overall, this project underscores the importance of addressing environmental and occupational health concerns in metal recycling industries to safeguard the well-being of workers and the community.
