ASSESSMENT OF KIDNEY FUNCTION IN CARPENTERS EXPOSED TO WOOD DUST IN PORT-HARCOURT

Ibama Onengiyeofori*, Brown Holy and Briggs Ojoye Ngoye

ABSTRACT

Wood dust exposure is the oldest and commonest occupational exposures, which is considered harmful by inducing several health challenges such as irritation to the skin, eyes, nose or throat, respiratory defects and others. This study examined the kidney function in carpenters exposed to wood dust in Port-Harcourt. A total of 180 apparently healthy male subjects were used for the study, out of which 90 subjects were carpenters (tests), while the other 90 subjects were non-carpenters (controls). Relevant information was collected using a structured questionnaire, and blood samples collected and analysed for creatinine and urea, and the eGFR calculated. Creatinine was analysed using Jaffe`s Method, while the Urea was analysed using Diacetyl-Monoxime Method (DAM). The eGFR was calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation. The results showed significantly higher (p<0.05) serum levels of creatinine and urea in the test as compared to controls, and a significantly lower (p<0.05) eGFR in the test compared to the control subjects. These results suggest that occupational exposure to wood dust may predispose carpenters and other wood workers to nephrotoxicity, and thus the health hazards induced by wood dust exposure, as well as the safety measures should be made known through proper awareness.

Keywords: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), Wood dust, Kidney function, Carpenters, Nigeria.