Relationship between Blood Lead Levels and Dietary Essential Mineral Intake in Electronic Waste Workers and a Control, in Ghana

摘要

Background: Several toxic metals are known to interact with, and affect absorption of micro nutrients in the gastro-intestinal tract. Although studies have reported high levels of lead (Pb) in electronic waste (e-waste) workers, the possible interaction and impact on availability of essential minerals in the body have not been extensively studied. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between blood lead levels (BLL) and dietary essential mineral (Ca, Fe, Mg, Zn, Cu) intakes of e-waste workers and a control group. Methods: This prospective cohort study, which is part of the ongoing West Africa GEOHealth II project, compared 100 e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie (exposed) to 50 controls (unexposed). 10 ml of whole blood was collected and analyzed for Pb using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Essential mineral intakes were assessed using a 2 day 24 hour recall and analyzed by the Esha F-Pro nutrition software. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS (Version 22). BLL and essential minerals were reported using means, standard deviations (SD) and ranges. Results: Overall, mean (SD) BLL was higher (9.24±6.37μg/dL) in e-waste workers, range (2.42-41.60μg/dL) than the control group (4.10±1.92μg/dL), range (1.51-14.04μg/dL). BLL levels were mostly above 10 μg/dL at e-waste site (28%), compared to control site (2%). Mean intakes of Ca, Zn, Cu and Mg in the diet were low in both groups, but Fe was adequate. A simple linear regression model showed a positive relationship between BLL and Ca intake (r= 0.39, p<0.001). Conclusions: Diet taken lacked adequate levels of Zn, Cu and Mg among all study participants. There was a positive relationship between Ca levels and BLL. This preliminary data suggests the need to supplement existing dietary intake with certain micronutrients.