Assessment of heavy metal levels in blood of metal fabricating factory workers in Nnewi, Nigeria

Introduction of Study: Heavy metal contamination or toxicity poses serious deleterious effects to human health. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study designed to assess the heavy metal levels in blood of metal fabricating factory workers in Nnewi. A total of 39 apparently healthy individuals in the exposed group (metal fabricating factory workers) aged between 19 and 56 years and 79 control individuals (comprising of 39 control individuals from Nnewi (N) and 40 control individuals from Elele (E) respectively) aged between 18 and 44 years were recruited for the study. Demographic data and anthropometric indices (BMI) of participating individuals were obtained using structured questionnaire and thereafter, 10ml of venous blood sample was collected from each individual for the evaluation of heavy metal levels (Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Se) using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results: This showed that these workers had an average length of service (LOS) of 11.92±2.77 years with no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) of factory workers compared with control N and E individuals (p>0.05) respectively. Ni, As and Pb levels and Cu, Zn and Se levels were significantly elevated and reduced respectively in factory workers than in controls (p<0>0.05). Conclusion: This study showed elevated levels of Ni, As and Pb and decreased levels of Cu, Zn and Se in the blood of metal fabricating factory workers and this demands urgent attention.