Sylvia A Takyi1, Niladri Basu2, John Arko-Mensah3, Paul Botwe3, Afua Asabea Amoabeng Nti3, Lawrencia Kwarteng3, Augustine Acquah3, Prudence Tettey3, Duah Dwomoh4, Stuart Batterman5, Thomas Robins5, Julius N Fobil3. 1. Department of Biological, Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG13, Legon, Accra, Ghana. satakyi002@st.ug.edu.gh. 2. Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. 3. Department of Biological, Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG13, Legon, Accra, Ghana. 4. Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. 5. Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Informal recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) releases particulate matter (PM) into the ambient air. Human exposure to PM has been reported to induce adverse effects on cardiovascular health. However, the impact of PM on the cardiovascular health of e-waste recyclers in Ghana has not been studied. Although intake of micronutrient-rich diet is known to modify these PM-induced adverse health effects, no data are available on the relationship between micronutrient status of e-waste recyclers and the reported high-level exposure to PM. We therefore investigated whether the intake of micronutrient-rich diets ameliorates the adverse effects of ambient exposure to PM2.5 on blood pressure (BP). METHODS: This study was conducted among e-waste and non-e-waste recyclers from March 2017 to October 2018. Dietary micronutrient (Fe, Ca, Mg, Se, Zn, and Cu) intake was assessed using a 2-day 24-h recall. Breathing zone PM2.5 was measured with a real-time monitor. Cardiovascular indices such as systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP) were measured using a sphygmomanometer. Ordinary least-squares regression models were used to estimate the joint effects of ambient exposure to PM2.5 and dietary micronutrient intake on cardiovascular health outcomes. RESULTS: Fe was consumed in adequate quantities, while Ca, Se, Zn, Mg, and Cu were inadequately consumed among e-waste and non-e-waste recyclers. Dietary Ca, and Fe intake was associated with reduced SBP and PP of e-waste recyclers. Although PM2.5 levels were higher in e-waste recyclers, exposures in the control group also exceeded the WHO 24-h guideline value (25 μg/m3). Exposure to 1 μg/m3 of PM2.5 was associated with an increased heart rate (HR) among e-waste recyclers. Dietary Fe intake was associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure levels of e-waste recyclers after PM exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent adequate dietary Fe intake was associated with reduced effects of PM2.5 on SBP of e-waste recyclers overtime. Nonetheless, given that all other micronutrients are necessary in ameliorating the adverse effects of PM on cardiovascular health, nutrition-related policy dialogues are required. Such initiatives would help educate informal e-waste recyclers and the general population on specific nutrients of concern and their impact on the exposure to ambient air pollutants.
BACKGROUND: Informal recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) releases particulate matter (PM) into the ambient air. Human exposure to PM has been reported to induce adverse effects on cardiovascular health. However, the impact of PM on the cardiovascular health of e-waste recyclers in Ghana has not been studied. Although intake of micronutrient-rich diet is known to modify these PM-induced adverse health effects, no data are available on the relationship between micronutrient status of e-waste recyclers and the reported high-level exposure to PM. We therefore investigated whether the intake of micronutrient-rich diets ameliorates the adverse effects of ambient exposure to PM2.5 on blood pressure (BP). METHODS: This study was conducted among e-waste and non-e-waste recyclers from March 2017 to October 2018. Dietary micronutrient (Fe, Ca, Mg, Se, Zn, and Cu) intake was assessed using a 2-day 24-h recall. Breathing zone PM2.5 was measured with a real-time monitor. Cardiovascular indices such as systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP) were measured using a sphygmomanometer. Ordinary least-squares regression models were used to estimate the joint effects of ambient exposure to PM2.5 and dietary micronutrient intake on cardiovascular health outcomes. RESULTS:Fe was consumed in adequate quantities, while Ca, Se, Zn, Mg, and Cu were inadequately consumed among e-waste and non-e-waste recyclers. Dietary Ca, and Fe intake was associated with reduced SBP and PP of e-waste recyclers. Although PM2.5 levels were higher in e-waste recyclers, exposures in the control group also exceeded the WHO 24-h guideline value (25 μg/m3). Exposure to 1 μg/m3 of PM2.5 was associated with an increased heart rate (HR) among e-waste recyclers. Dietary Fe intake was associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure levels of e-waste recyclers after PM exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent adequate dietary Fe intake was associated with reduced effects of PM2.5 on SBP of e-waste recyclers overtime. Nonetheless, given that all other micronutrients are necessary in ameliorating the adverse effects of PM on cardiovascular health, nutrition-related policy dialogues are required. Such initiatives would help educate informal e-waste recyclers and the general population on specific nutrients of concern and their impact on the exposure to ambient air pollutants.
Authors: Lawrencia Kwarteng; Amila M Devasurendra; Zoey Laskaris; John Arko-Mensah; Afua A Amoabeng Nti; Sylvia Takyi; Augustine A Acquah; Duah Dwomoh; Nil Basu; Thomas Robins; Julius N Fobil; Stuart Batterman Journal: Environ Int Date: 2021-11-20 Impact factor: 9.621
Authors: Augustine A Acquah; Clive D'Souza; Bernard J Martin; John Arko-Mensah; Paul K Botwe; Prudence Tettey; Duah Dwomoh; Afua Amoabeng Nti; Lawrencia Kwarteng; Sylvia Takyi; Isabella A Quakyi; Thomas G Robins; Julius N Fobil Journal: Int J Ind Ergon Date: 2021-02-23 Impact factor: 2.656
Authors: Afua A Amoabeng Nti; Thomas G Robins; John Arko Mensah; Duah Dwomoh; Lawrencia Kwarteng; Sylvia A Takyi; Augustine Acquah; Niladri Basu; Stuart Batterman; Julius N Fobil Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2021-11-25 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Fayizatu Dawud; Sylvia Akpene Takyi; John Arko-Mensah; Niladri Basu; Godfred Egbi; Ebenezer Ofori-Attah; Serwaa Akoto Bawuah; Julius N Fobil Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-10-06 Impact factor: 4.614