ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS EXPOSURE AMONG SHRIMP FARM WORKERS

Abstract

is a common occupational hazard in shrimp farming, with potential acute and chronic health effects. This study aims to assess the concentrations of selected heavy metals—copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb)—in the personal air samples of shrimp farm workers and evaluate the associated health risks. The study involved a total of 10 shrimp farm workers. Personal air sampling pumps were positioned in the workers' breathing zones during their duties which included handling of chemicals and the samples were analyzed through Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The hazard quotient (HQ) for each heavy metal suggesting the absence of significant carcinogenic risk. The total hazard index (HI) value for chromium (Cr) was 4.14 × 10⁻³, which remained within the permissible safety limits while estimated cancer risk for chromium is 9.79 × 10⁻⁹, which is within the tolerable risk limit. In conclusion, the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic hazards associated with exposure to these heavy metals among shrimp farm workers were within tolerable thresholds. However, for the long-term exposure, there is a need for improvement especially on chemical handling and usage.