ABSTRACT
The processes involved in recycling metals frequently results in the production of enormous amounts of waste materials. These metallic wastes pollute the air, soil, waterbodies, and other environmental media. Metal exposure in humans, particularly among occupationally exposed employees, could have detrimental effect on health. This study aimed to evaluate some haematological parameters and trace metal levels in occupationally exposed metal recyclers in Benin City. In this study, 50 participants were enrolled, comprising 30 metal recyclers and 20 unexposed participants. Blood levels (5 mL) of the metals (nickel, copper and cobalt) were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry while the haematological parameters [white blood cells (WBC), lymphocyte (LY), monocytes (MO), Basophils (BAS), Eosinophils (EOS), Neutrophil (NEU), red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (Hgb), haematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) , red cell distribution width (RDWS) and platelets (PLT) were determined using standard methods. Results obtained from this study showed a significantly high blood copper (83.00±l3.93) in the metal recyclers when compared to the control (53.75±9.62). Blood nickel level was significantly higher in the exposed group (1.30±0.12) when compared to the control (0.71±0.21). Cobalt in the exposed group (0.12±0.03) was not significant when compared to the control (0.10±0.03). Total white blood cell and platelet were significantly increased in metal recyclers compared to controls. Red cell distribution width and lymphocyte were significantly reduced in the metal reyclers compared to the controls Haematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cell, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, neutrophil, monocyte, basophil and eosinophil showed no statistical significance in the metal recyclers when compared to the controls. This study concludes that chronic exposure to metallic wastes may cause alteration in complete blood count.
