ELECTROLYTES, TOTAL PROTEIN AND ALBUMIN CONCENTRATIONS IN CARPENTERS EXPOSED TO SAWDUST IN MARINE BASE CARPENTRY SHADES, PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

*Kalio Ibiene Sarah, Joshua, Marcella Tari, Uzor Uzoamaka, Lilian, Isaac Knowledge 

ABSTRACT

Background: The carpenters in Marine base carpentry shade, Port Harcourt saw timber woods without proper protective clothing and also use the saw dust produced as part of the floor covering of their carpentry shade as a consequence, they are directly expose to the sawdust produce through inhalation and skin contact. Most of the carpenters are unaware of the health implication involve in direct exposure to saw dust. Objectives. The objective of this study is to determine Electrolytes, Total protein and Albumin concentrations in carpenters exposed to sawdust within Marine base carpentry shades, Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria. Methods. Plasma Electrolytes, Total protein and Albumin concentrations of thirty (30) carpenters exposed previously within 1-15 years to sawdust were compared with thirty two (32) apparently healthy individuals not exposed to saw dust (control).Ion selective electrode (ISE) analyser was used to determine the concentrations of Electrolytes, biuret method was used to determined total protein concentrations while bromocresol green method was used to determine Albumin concentrations. Results: The results showed that subjects had Potassium, Sodium, Chloride and Bicarbonate imbalance as a consequence of exposure to saw dust. The mean ± standard deviation of Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Anion gap, Total protein and Albumin concentrations for carpenters that were exposed to saw dust are 133.60 ± 2.37mmol/l (Sodium), 3.61 ± 0.30 mmol/l (Potassium), 106.07 ± 1.31 mmol/l (Chloride), 24.07 ± 3.50mmol/l (Bicarbonate), 3.67 ± 2.16mmol/l (Anion gap), 83.00 ± 12.81g/l (Total protein), and 44.93 ± 6.38 g/l (Albumin), respectively while the values for control are 135.80 ± 206 mmol/l (Sodium), 3.44 ± 0.36 mmol/l (Potassium), 101.25 ± 2.42 mmol/l(Chloride), 15.94 ± 3.35 mmol/l (Bicarbonate), 15.94 ± 3.53 mmol/l (Anion gap), 73.52 ± 1.40 g/l (Total protein), 44.15 ± 0.30 g/l (Albumin) respectively. Discussions: The concentrations of Total protein, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Sodium and Anion gap were significantly different in carpenters exposed to sawdust when compared to control (p <0.05). Conclusions: The results in this study indicate that exposure to saw dust predisposes carpenters to electrolyte imbalance. Carpenters are therefore advised to wear protective mask and clothing while working with sawdust; Carpenters are also advised to stop the use of saw dust as part of the floor covering in their carpentry shades.

Keywords: Electrolytes, Protein, Albumin, Sawdust, Carpenters.