Lead exposure and its association with neurobehavioral performances among municipal solid waste collectors

Abd Wahab, Nur Ezzati (2013) Lead exposure and its association with neurobehavioral performances among municipal solid waste collectors. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: In Malaysia, solid waste management has become a crucial task in recent years due to industrialization as well as increase in the amount and the types of waste generated. Due to the increasing number of municipal solid waste (MSW) production, garbage collectors have to put more time and effort in order to manage and clean the MSW produced. The longer time spend in handling all wastes has the probability to increase workers' exposure to heavy metals that exist in most of the wastes. Chronic exposure to low-level of heavy metals have been known to contribute towards the causation of impaired normal body function. Objective: This study is aimed to determine the long-term exposure to lead (Pb) and to fmd a relationship between the lead concentrations and the neurobehavioral performances of garbage collectors in a state in Malaysia. Methodology: A total of 58 male garbage collectors and 58 office staffs were recruited for this study as exposed and comparative groups. Hair samples were taken from 96 respondents to be analysed for lead concentration. Neurobehavioral performances of each respondent were assessed using Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery (NCTB). Result: The mean lead concentration in hair samples of garbage collectors was higher than office staffs with 3.66g/dL for garbage collectors and 3.21g/dL for office staffs. The levels are lower than the existing standard provided by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for workers' blood lead concentration which is 40g/dL. NCTB results showed that there were significant differences (p<0.001) between both groups (lower performance in the exposed group) in four tests which are Digit Span Test (Z= -9.30), Pursuit Aiming Test (t= -12.72), Santa Ana Manual Dexterity Test (t= -28.3) and Trail Making Test (Z= -9.30). Multiple Regression analysis carried out showed that working duration was the most significant factor that influences Digit Span Test score whereas age working years and smoking are the most significant factors of that influences Pursuit Aiming Test in NCTB. Conclusion: Workers working as garbage collectors for MSW were shown to be chronically exposed to lead however the levels do not exceed the existing standard. Factor such as age, working years and working duration had showed the positive association with neurobehavioral performances especially the auditory performance and motor functions of the respondents. Steps such as the use of personal protective equipment may be considered as a way to control the worker's exposure to lead. Keyword: Hair, neurobehavioral test, lead, garbage collector, municipal solid waste

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms. Adni Syuhaida Zon
Date Deposited:	23 Nov 2022 00:40
Last Modified:	21 Mar 2023 03:11
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/305

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