Essential and non-essential trace elements among working populations in Ghana

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Occupational Medicine
• Trace Element Analysis

Background:

• Lead battery repair workers (LBRW) and electronic repair workers (ERW) face potential exposure to inorganic components.
• This study investigates essential and non-essential trace elements in male LBRW, ERW, referents, and female petty traders (FPT) in Kumasi, Ghana.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine and compare trace element levels in different occupational groups.
• To assess the influence of iron status and inflammation on trace element concentrations.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 64 LBRW, 64 ERW, 65 referents, and 26 FPT.
• Collection of urine, whole blood, and serum for trace element analysis.
• Determination of C-reactive protein and ferritin in serum to assess inflammation and iron status.

Main Results:

• LBRW exhibited higher blood manganese (B-Mn) and lead (B-Pb), and urinary antimony (U-Sb); ERW showed higher blood cadmium (B-Cd), urinary tin (U-Sn), and serum chromium (S-Cr).
• Elevated concentrations of blood selenium (B-Se), cobalt (B-Co), mercury (B-Hg), and urinary iodine (U-I) were observed.
• Marginal iron status affected cobalt, manganese, and cadmium levels; inflammation correlated with copper and selenium levels. High mercury and selenium in blood were linked to fish consumption.

Conclusions:

• ERW had elevated blood cadmium, serum chromium, and urinary tin; LBRW had higher blood manganese, blood lead, and urinary antimony.
• Iron status and inflammation significantly influenced certain element concentrations.
• The study population demonstrated high levels of blood selenium, blood mercury, blood cobalt, and urinary iodine.