Pollution Health Significance of Polymer Resin on Artisans in a Developing Country Setting

Abstract

Use of polymer resin (a mixture of plastic resin and catalyst) for lamination of wooden frame of enlarged photographs exposes lamination artisans in developing countries to sensitivities to the toxic resin, especially as the artisans fail to comply with the safety measures recommended by manufacturers. This study was aimed at investigating the
pollution health significance of the polymer resin by determining its acute toxicity (rat, oral). The modified acute toxiciy test method of Miller and Tainter was used. Results showed that the LD50 of polymer resin was 1,895 mlkg-1, which fell within the literature range of toxic and lethal values, and therefore, poses a serious threat to the health of artisans. It is recommended that manufacturers of polymer resin, civil society organisations and the government should adopt persuasive approach to enlighten the artisans on the need to toe the precautionary path and for strict compliance with manufacturer’s safety measures for handling polymer resin. Policymakers should also factor in the situation.