Occupational Carcinogen Exposure and Cancer Risk Among Veterinary Meat Inspectors in Nigeria

Veterinary meat inspectors are occupationally exposed to potential carcinogens including biological agents, chemical disinfectants, and combustion products from abattoir operations. However, cancer risk assessment in this occupational group in Nigeria has never been conducted. This study characterized occupational carcinogen exposure and estimated cancer risk among veterinary meat inspectors across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. A multi-stage occupational epidemiology study was conducted. Personal air sampling was performed on 80 inspectors across 24 abattoirs to quantify exposure to particulate matter, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and N-nitrosamines. Biological monitoring included urinary cotinine, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine as a DNA damage marker, and aromatic amine metabolites. Questionnaires assessed career exposure duration, personal protective practices, and medical history. Cancer risk was estimated using established occupational exposure assessment models and risk factors from comparative epidemiological literature. Mean personal exposures to hydrogen sulfide and ammonia exceeded occupational exposure limits in 62.5% and 47.5% of inspectors respectively. Elevated 8-OHdG levels were detected in 41.3% of inspectors compared to a matched non-exposed control group. N-nitrosamine exposure was confirmed in inspectors at large cattle abattoirs. Career duration above 15 years was significantly associated with higher biological markers. The study provides the first occupational carcinogen characterization and cancer risk estimate for Nigerian meat inspectors, contributing original occupational health data to veterinary public health science. A comprehensive occupational health protection framework including mandatory medical surveillance, personal protective equipment standards, and safe exposure limits is proposed. Keywords: occupational carcinogen exposure, meat inspectors, cancer risk, abattoir, occupational health