Research Article

Health Impact of Heavy Metals in Quarry Dust On Quarry Workers in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Quarrying exposes host people to risks to their health as they may be exposed to high levels of heavy metals. This case controlled study investigated the impact of heavy metals found in quarry dusts on the health of quarry workers in a community. The study involved 100 quarry workers and 100 healthy participants both males and females. Random purposive sampling was used and majority of the participants fell in the age range of 41-60 years. A significant amount of the tests participants had secondary and tertiary form of education. Despite their high level of education about 77% of the participants had worked in the quarry for a period of 6-10 years. The total protein, SGOT, SGPT, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly raised among the tests group a p= 0.0001, while albumin was moderately reduced in tests group, p= 0.0001. Although, the PCV, WBC, and neutrophil count in the test group were significantly reduced, the counts of lymphocytes and eosinophils were raised. The values of urea and creatinine were also significantly raised at p= 0.0001. All the workers in different areas of the company were exposed to a high level of lead, nickel and chromium, 0.54 mg/kg, 0.61 mg/kg, and 0.13 mg/kg respectively. In addition, more inflammatory cells, tubule epithelial cells, transition cells and yeast cells were more common in the urine of tests participants. The high concentration of lead, nickel and chromium has begun to have an effect on the health of the quarry workers. There is a need for further intervention by health authorities and the quarry-site owners to avoid further deterioration in the health status of the workers.