Occupational Chemical Exposure Assessment in a Soap and Detergent Factory in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria

Soap and detergent manufacturing workers are routinely exposed to caustic soda, surfactants, fragrances, and preservative chemicals that can cause occupational dermatitis, respiratory sensitisation, and eye injuries when personal protection is inadequate. This study conducts a chemical exposure assessment in a soap and detergent production facility in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria, with the objective of evaluating compliance with occupational health standards and identifying risk reduction priorities. Personal air sampling for sodium hydroxide aerosol, ammonia, and selected volatile organic compounds is performed using calibrated sampling pumps and appropriate sorbent tubes across four job categories: mixing, milling, packaging, and maintenance. Dermal exposure is estimated through surface wipe sampling and visual observation of skin contact during production tasks. Biological exposure indicators are assessed through pre-shift and post-shift urinary pH measurements for alkali-exposed workers. Measured concentrations are compared against threshold limit values published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists and Nigerian occupational exposure guidelines. A structured health questionnaire documents self-reported skin, eye, and respiratory symptoms among 45 production workers. A risk characterisation matrix prioritises exposure control interventions by severity and likelihood. Engineering control options, personal protective equipment adequacy, and worker training needs are addressed in a professional risk management report. Keywords: occupational chemical exposure, soap manufacturing, Kaduna, threshold limit values, industrial hygiene