Authors
Awa SECK, Robert FAOMOWE FOKO, Jessica Carmelia MBEMBA PELEKA, Fatoumata BAH, Absa LAM, Cheikh DIOP, Aminata TOURE, Mathilde CABRAL, Mamadou FALL*
Laboratory of Toxicology and Hydrology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistery, Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, P Box : 5005 Dakar-Fann, Senegal
*Correspondance: mamadou3.fall@ucad.edu.sn
Abstract
Paints are used in the cladding of buildings and structures, for the decoration of works, but also in industry. Some elements found in these paints, such as lead used as a pigment to improve the quality of the paint, can cause damage to health. This pilot study aimed to determine lead concentrations in paint samples taken from professional painters and conducted a risk assessment of these individuals.
A semi-directional survey was conducted to record data on the socio-demographic characteristics, employment history and work environment of paint handlers. Lead concentrations in paint were determined by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry and by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.
Several clinical signs with a neurological, respiratory, dermatological, digestive and ophthalmological orientation were recorded during the survey. A total of 15 paint samples were also collected at the construction sites. Quantitative analysis of the paints showed that 40% of the samples had a concentration greater than 90 ppm and only one sample had a risk index below 1.
Our results show that there are still lead levels in paints used in Senegal above the limit set by the Global Alliance for the Elimination of Lead in Paint, which is 90 ppm. Thus, a more in-depth study should be carried out to avoid the social and economic impact that could result.
Keywords: Paint, lead, occupational exposure, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry
DOI | Volume | Number | Published | Open access |
http://dx.doi.org/10.61585/pud-ijppna-v1i1a6 | 01 | 01 | 12-18-2023 | Yes |
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