title: Evidence of Allergic Reactions and Cardiopulmonary Impairments among Traders Operating from Foodstuff Warehouses.
abstract: Background.Foodstuff traders operating from warehouses (FTFW) are potentially exposed to dangerous rodenticides/pesticides that may have adverse effects on cardiopulmonary function.Methods.Fifty consenting male foodstuff traders, comprising 15 traders (21-63 years) operating outside warehouses and 35 FTFW (20-64 years), were randomly recruited at Ogbete Market, Enugu, in a cross-sectional observational study of spirometric and electrocardiographic parameters. Seventeen FTFW (21-57 years) participated in focus group discussions. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed thematically and with independentt-test and Pearson correlation coefficient atp< 0.05, respectively.Results.Most FTFW experienced respiratory symptoms, especially dry cough (97.1%) and wheezing (31.4%) with significant reductions in forced vital capacity (FVC) (t= -2.654;p= 0.011), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (t= -2.240;p= 0.030), maximum expiratory flow rate (FEF200-1200) (t= -1.148;p= -0.047), and forced end-expiratory flow (FEF75-85) (t= -1.11;p= 0.007). The maximum mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75) was marginally decreased (p> 0.05) with a significantly prolonged (p< 0.05) QTc interval.Conclusion.Allergic response was evident in the FTFW. Significant decrease in FVC may negatively impact lung flow rates and explains the marginal decrease in FEF25-75, which implies a relative limitation in airflow of peripheral/distal airways and elastic recoil of the lungs. This is consistent with obstructive pulmonary disease; a significant decrease in FEF75-85/FEV1supports this conclusion. Significant decrease in FEF200-1200indicates abnormalities in the large airways/larynx just as significantly prolonged ventricular repolarization suggests cardiac arrhythmias.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria; Clinical Trial Consortium University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; UNIRED Research Group, Hochschule Hannover (University of Applied Sciences and Arts), Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: Sam
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-1120-6525
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ibeneme
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Viola
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Egbosionu
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences & Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Georgian
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ibeneme
authors.affiliation: Clinical Trial Consortium University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Physiotherapy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Amarachi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ezuma
authors.affiliation: National Open University of Nigeria, Owerri Study Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Theresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ettu
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nwankwo
authors.affiliation: UNIRED Research Group, Hochschule Hannover (University of Applied Sciences and Arts), Hannover, Germany; German UNESCO Unit on Bioethics, Fakultät III-Medien, Information und Design, Hochschule Hannover (University of Applied Sciences and Arts), Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: Dnyanesh
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Limaye
authors.affiliation: Safety Molecular Laboratory, Rangers Avenue, Independence Layout, Enugu, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nna
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D000067565:Farmers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005506:Food Contamination; D019649:Food Industry; D005519:Food Preservation; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010575:Pesticides / Q000506:poisoning*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010575:Pesticides