Evaluation of Some Biochemical Parameters in Printers Occupationally Exposed to Large-format Printing Machines in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Ensuring occupational health and safety is crucial across diverse industries, and the printing sector is no exemption. Workers operating large format printing presses are exposed to printing inks and materials containing potentially hazardous chemicals and solvents. This case-control study aimed to assess hepatic and renal function indices in individuals operating large-format printing machines within Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. The study involved recruiting a total of 120 subjects, both males and females, aged between 18 and 40 years. Among them, 60 subjects constantly exposed to large-format printing machines constituted the test group, while the remaining 60, without exposure to such machines, served as the negative control. From each subject's antecubital fossa, 5 milliliters (5 ml) of venous blood were collected, processed, and the serum obtained was used for analyzing aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), sodium, potassium, urea, and creatinine using spectrophotometric and ion selective electrode methods. In the statistical analysis, SPSS version 24 was employed, with a significance level set at p<0.05. The results indicated significantly higher serum mean levels of AST 6.00 ± 3.00 U/l; ALT 7.70 ± 3.69 U/l, ALP 11.10 ± 4.50 iU/l, sodium 135.30 ± 13.90 mmol/l, and urea 4.38 ± 2.63 mmol/l respectively in the test subjects compared to the control subjects 5.00±2.00 U/l; 6.22 ± 2.45 U/l.; 9.50 ± 3.40iU/l; 125.2±19.40 mmol/l and 3.45±0. 94 mmol/l respectively. Conversely, no significant difference was observed in the mean levels of potassium 3.3 ± 0.50mmol/l and creatinine 50.0 ± 50 µmol/l between the test and control subjects 3.4 ± 0.30 mmol/l and 53.0 ± 50 µmol/l respectively.  Furthermore, gender-based comparisons within the test group revealed a significant increase in the mean levels of AST 7.12 ± 20mmol/l versus 5.40 ± 4.0mmol/l and sodium 142.1±10.0mmol/l in female subjects compared to male subjects 132.4±14.5mmol/l. These findings suggest that the exposure to large-format printing machines and their accessories may adversely affect liver and kidney function. The authors recommend the consistent use of personal protective equipment, such as nose masks as well as ensuring well-ventilated working environments, and regular medical checkups for individuals working with large-format printing machines.