Abstract:
Exposure to biomass combustion has been linked to increased risk for a suite
of negative health outcomes such as acute and chronic respiratory diseases.
The objective of this study was to assess the levels and risk of polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, phthalates, 1-hydroxypyrene and 9-
phenanthrenol from urine samples of fish smokers in three coastal regions
(Western, Central and Volta regions) of Ghana due to their exposure to indoor
air pollution. Urine samples of 155 fish smokers were analysed using
QuEChERS method and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer
for analysis. The micro-environment indoor levels of particulate matter (PM
2.5), carbon monoxide and ozone were also measured using low-cost air quality
monitors. In addition, personal PM 2.5 and CO were measured using
MicroPEM (ECM) and Lascar EL-USB-CO respectively. The eyes of the fish
smokers were also screened by qualified and practicing optometrists from
Optometry Department, University of Cape Coast. Risk assessment on urinary
contaminants showed high health risk values in the study areas. Fish smokers
suffered from cataract and other eye diseases. Self-reported health symptoms
were headache, cough, wheezing breathlessness, asthma and pneumonia.
Personal CO was strongly correlated with benz[a]anthracene and
benzo[a]pyrene. Also, personal PM 2.5 was strongly correlated with
benz[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, 9-phenanthrenol and 1-hydroxypyrene. In
conclusion, biomass fuel usage by the fish smokers could affect their health
greatly. It is recommended that the fish smokers should be encouraged to use
personal protective equipment such as respirators, googles and face masks to
minimize the harmful effect of their work on their health.
