Iron- and protein rich diets may boost hemoglobin levels among informal electronic waste recyclers exposed to metals at Agbogbloshie, Ghana
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Hygiene and Environmental Health Advances
Abstract
While human exposure to metals may play a role in the pathogenesis of anemia, consumption of balanced diets
may boost blood hemoglobin (Hb) levels in humans. Although informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling
processes have recently drawn attention as an important source of pollution, there is almost no empirical evi dence on the relationship between diet, metals exposure and anemia among e-waste recyclers. Therefore, we
evaluated possible ameliorating effects of diet on metal exposure related anemia, as measured by Hb levels of e waste recyclers and a reference population in Ghana.
This repeated measure study used data collected from e-waste recyclers (n=142) and a reference population
(n=65) between March 2017 and October 2018. Stored whole blood samples were analyzed for the following
metals; Cd, Pb, Rb, Tb, Tl, and Eu. Next, Hb levels were analysed using the URIT-810® semiautomatic
biochemistry analyzer. Furthermore, a 48-hour dietary recall questionnaire was administered to assess dietary
intake parameters such as protein, folate, carbohydrates, Fe, Ca, Mg, Se, Zn, and Cu. Ordinary regression models
were used to estimate joint effects of metals and nutrients on Hb levels.
At baseline, the mean Hb was lower among recyclers (12.99 ± 3.17 g/dL) than the reference group (13.02
±2.37 g/dL). Blood Pb, Cd, Rb, Eu and Tb were associated with significant decreases in Hb levels of e-waste
recyclers. Dietary intake of proteins and Fe was associated with concomitant increase in Hb levels of both groups
as well as when analysis was restricted to recyclers. Despite the high exposure of e-waste recyclers to a myriad of
metals, consumption of Fe-rich diets appears to ameliorate anemia and improved Hb levels (β=0.229; 95% CI:
0.013, 0.445; p=0.04). Therefore, the consumption of Fe and protein-rich foods may boost blood Hb levels in e waste recyclers, even though exposure to high levels of metals is a predictor of anemia among this worker-group.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
E-waste, Metals, Diet, Hemoglobin, Anemia, Agbogbloshie