Haematologic and Oxidative Stress Effects of Occupational Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds in Mus musculus at Printing Presses in Lagos, Nigeria.
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Date
2016-12
Authors
Akeredolu, Excellence O.
Sogbanmu, Temitope O.
Okunoye, Temitope E.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Lagos Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
Abstract
Background: Solvents and inks used in printing presses are major sources of occupational exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Objective: The biological effects of short-term occupational exposure to VOCs were investigated using albino mice, Mus musculus. Materials and Methods: Structured questionnaires were administered to printing press workers to assess their knowledge of the potential health effects of VOCs. Hepatic biochemical and haematological indices were evaluated in Mus musculus exposed to VOC emissions from two printing presses in Lagos, Nigeria over a period of 45 days following standard methods. Total VOC (TVOC) levels were determined using a VOC Sampler. Results: The questionnaire analyses revealed that printing press workers in Mushin experienced more health symptoms compared to those at Somolu. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the hepatic biochemical and haematological indices between mice at control and exposed locations. Average TVOC level was highest at the printing press in Mushin (466.33±130.78 mg/m3) followed by Somolu (387.00±105.15 mg/m3) and control location (3.50±0.71 mg/m3). Conclusion: The results indicate that short-term exposure to VOCs may not be harmful to human health. However, the questionnaire analyses demonstrated that long-term exposure may be harmful to human health. Hence, it is recommended that a longer-term study be conducted in addition to other biomarkers such as behavioural and physiological indices in order to provide a robust indication of the potential biological effects of these VOCs. The use of personal protection equipment (PPE) and short-term exposure through reduced-time shift regimes are recommended.
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Keywords
Biological effects , Mus musculus , Occupational exposure , Printing press , Volatile organic compounds , Research Subject Categories::INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AREAS
Citation
Akeredolu, E. O., Sogbanmu, T. O. and Okunoye, T. E. (2016). Haematologic and Oxidative Stress Effects of Occupational Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds in Mus musculus at Printing Presses in Lagos, Nigeria. University of Lagos Journal of Basic Medical Sciences 4 (8): 92-99.