Effects of Toxic Metals on the Renal Profile of Road Construction Workers in Benin City, Edo State/Warri, Delta State, South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Road construction in Nigeria is an ongoing developmental project associated with modern civilization and workers in this industry are constantly exposed to occupational hazard. In this current study, one hundred and twenty-six human subjects (71 occupationally exposed road construction workers and 55 non-exposed controls) were recruited for this study. Chromium (Cr), Vanadium (V), Calcium (Ca²⁺) and Manganese (Mn) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Kidney profile of Sodium (Na⁺), Potassium (K⁺), Chloride (Cl^-), Urea (Ur), and Creatinine (Creat) were analyzed using Selectra ProS. Clinically, the results showed differences in the blood level of the 71 exposed workers with 55 non-exposed controls. Creatinine was found to be significantly (p>0.001) higher in the exposed subjects (102.57 ± 2.29 mM/L) compared to controls (79.58 ± 3.45 mM/L). Plasma Ca²⁺level was significantly (p>0.001) lower in exposed subjects (5.75 ± 0.14 µg/L) than in the control (9.23 ± 0.18 µg/L). Chromium in the exposed group was also significantly (p>0.001) higher (20.38 ± 0.42 µg/L) than in the control (1.74 ± 0.10 µg/L). It is evident that occupationally exposed road construction workers have elevated levels of the studied metals and may be at risk of developing kidney diseases. There is need for compliance to universal safety precautions such as personal protective equipment and clothing during work to avoid inhalation and injection of toxic metals