Manganese, Iron, Lead, and Zinc Levels and Haematological Profile among Welders in Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District, Ghana

Welders are exposed to metal ions or oxides through direct contact at occupational sites or indirectly through uptake from contaminated dust or air. This study was a case-control study designed to assess the levels of some heavy metals and the hematological profile of welders (cases) as compared to nonwelders (controls) from Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District of Ghana, comparatively to determine whether their values are within acceptable international range. A quantitative-based survey using structured questionnaires was used to collect demographic data from purposively selected welders (n = 40) and nonwelders (n = 40) from the study area. Five (5 mL) blood samples were collected from the study participants and analyzed for blood cell count as well as levels of Mn, Fe, Pb, and Zn. There were no significant differences in the Mn, Zn, and Fe levels between the welders and nonwelders (p=0.431, 0.53 vs. 0.23 mg/L, p=0.05, 0.41 vs. 0.15, p=0.886, 1.82 vs. 1.11). The level of Pb was, however, significantly lower among welders compared to the nonwelders (p=0.016, 0.09 < 0.3 mg/L). The total white blood cell count did not differ significantly between welders and nonwelders (p=0.365, 5.16 vs. 4.85 × 10⁹/L). However, the mixed cell fraction was significantly higher among welders compared to nonwelders (p=0.027, 0.34 × 10⁹/L > 0.28 × 10⁹/L). Red blood cell count and indices showed no significant differences between the welders and nonwelders. Hemoglobin levels in welders were, however, higher (14.47 g/dL) but this was not statistically significant compared to their nonwelder counterparts (13.85 g/dL). It was concluded from the study that welders in Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District of the Western Region of Ghana had elevated levels of Pb in their bodies. This was associated with an increase in mixed white blood cell fraction platelets. However, the recorded levels were within the accepted physiological limits suggesting that the heavy metal exposure of welders had no clinically pathological significance.