Evaluation of Occupational Lead Exposure in Informal Work Environment in Kenya

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is widely used in the informal sector and much of the exposure levels is through handling, processing, fabrications, burning and disposal of materials containing Pb. Furthermore, Pb bio-accumulate and is highly toxic to human health and is persistent in the environment. This study was therefore designed to evaluate levels of exposure to airborne Pb among workers in the informal sector. Airborne Pb was collected using air sampler in 34 production areas (sheds) and two control areas. The concentration of airborne Pb was determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). An empirical survey using questionnaires also assessed the knowledge about airborne Pb and occupational safety, and health strategies in place. Nearly 56.0% of the sheds had airborne Pb concentration ranging from 1.4 µg/m3 to 126.9 µg/m3. On the contrary, 44.1% of the production areas and control sites had airborne Pb levels below the detectable limit (BDL). The welding works in sheds 11 and 27, and painting activities in shed 6 and 16 had significantly (p <0.05) higher levels of airborne Pb with a mean ± standard deviation (sd) of 126.9 ± 20.1µg/m3, 117.4 ± 5.2 µg/m3 and 56.4 ± 3.1 µg/m3, and 53.6 ± 0.6 µg/m3, respectively than other operations within the sheds, and the controls areas. These levels in the welding and painting areas also exceeded the USA. Occupational Safety Health Act (OSHA) Permissive Exposure Limit (PEL) Time Weighted Average (TWA) of 50 µg/m3. The study further found that the informal sector workers had limited information about Pb exposure despite the fact that 50.0% of them had secondary education and 9.4% had primary education. About 62.0% of these workers were unaware of Pb exposure and related adverse effects. 70.6% of the workers had not taken annual medical check-ups. In addition, the workers did not have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that would reduce their exposure to Pb. The study recommends comprehensive awareness and training programs on Pb exposure and occupational safety and health in the informal work environment to prevent associated health effects.