Does sulfuric acid have a ‘protective’ effect on battery recyclers exposed to lead?

ABSTRACT

Culturally significant interventions to prevent lead exposure of battery recyclers are required. Sulfuric acid used in batteries causes skin lesions and could facilitate the recognition of hazards. This study explored whether joint exposure to lead and sulfuric acid can be used in interventions to manage hazardous work conditions. Data were collected from 120 informal workers, and the blood lead level was measured. Predictors of blood lead levels were explored using a tobit model. The median blood lead level was 9.45 µg/dL (Q₇₅-Q₂₅: 48.9 µg/dL); when lead and sulfuric acid exposure occurred, the level increased to 11.44 µg/dL, and when exposure to lead and other substances occurred, the level was 11.50 µg/dL. Workers are unaware of the risks of obvious and acute silent chronic exposure. Future preventive interventions could confront the economic benefits of battery recycling with the recognition of susceptibility and severity related to lead and sulfuric acid exposure.

KEYWORDS:

• Skin lesions
• intoxication
• lead
• industrial psychology
• occupational health
• toxicology

Acknowledgments

The research group is grateful to the employees who participated in the study and those who were part of the control group for their contribution to achieving the objectives of the study.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.