Occupational Health and Environmental Management in Lead Battery Manufacturing Plants in Ibadan, Oyo State

This study examines occupational health protection and environmental management practices at lead-acid battery manufacturing facilities in Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. Lead-acid battery manufacturing involves intensive use of lead and sulphuric acid, generating occupational exposure risks for workers and environmental risks from lead dust, process wastewater, and battery scrap smelting fumes. Three battery manufacturing plants in Ibadan's industrial areas were assessed using a combined occupational hygiene and environmental management audit approach. Occupational exposure assessment included personal air sampling for airborne lead in the grid casting, pasting, and formation areas, blood lead level testing of consenting workers, and inspection of personal protective equipment use. Environmental management assessment covered effluent quality from acid neutralisation systems, solid lead waste storage practices, and ambient air quality at the plant boundary. Results show airborne lead concentrations exceeding the Nigerian occupational exposure limit of 0.05 milligrams per cubic metre in grid casting and pasting operations at all three plants. Blood lead levels in workers exceed the action level of 20 micrograms per decilitre in 38 percent of tested workers, with two workers recording levels above 40 micrograms per decilitre requiring medical removal. Environmental lead emissions at plant boundaries exceed the Federal Ministry of Environment ambient air quality standard at two plants during peak production. Effluent pH management is adequate but lead removal efficiency is poor. Recommendations include engineering controls for lead dust containment, enhanced blood lead surveillance, and effluent treatment upgrades. Keywords: lead exposure, battery manufacturing, occupational health, environmental management, Ibadan.