Kidney Function Status in Persons Occupationally Exposed to Heavy Metals in Metal Forging Factory in Nnewi, Southeastern Nigeria.

Abstract

Occupational exposure to heavy metals impacts negatively on human health especially on the functionality of the kidneys. This is a cross sectional study designed to assess the kidney function status in individuals who are occupationally exposed to heavy metals in metal forging factory in Nnewi. A total of 39 apparently healthy individuals in cable manufacturing factory workers aged between 19 and 56 years and 79 control subjects (comprising of 39 control subjects from Nnewi (N) and 40 control subjects from Elele (E) respectively) aged between 18 and 44 years were recruited for the study. 5ml of venous blood sample was collected from each subject for the determination of biochemical parameters (potassium, sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea and creatinine levels) using standard laboratory methods. Results revealed that there were significant elevations in the mean concentrations of plasma urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium (p<0.05) with a corresponding significant decrease in the mean plasma chloride and bicarbonate levels in the individuals occupationally exposed to heavy metals in metal forging factory (p<0.05), which suggest an impaired renal function in these individuals.