Evidence of Allergic Reactions and Cardiopulmonary Impairments among Traders Operating from Foodstuff Warehouses.

Foodstuff traders operating from warehouses (FTFW) are potentially exposed to dangerous rodenticides/pesticides that may have adverse effects on cardiopulmonary function. 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 independent -test and Pearson correlation coefficient at < 0.05, respectively. Most FTFW experienced respiratory symptoms, especially dry cough (97.1%) and wheezing (31.4%) with significant reductions in forced vital capacity (FVC) ( = -2.654; = 0.011), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV) ( = -2.240; = 0.030), maximum expiratory flow rate (FEF) ( = -1.148; = -0.047), and forced end-expiratory flow (FEF) ( = -1.11; = 0.007). The maximum mid-expiratory flow (FEF) was marginally decreased ( > 0.05) with a significantly prolonged ( < 0.05) QTc interval. Allergic response was evident in the FTFW. Significant decrease in FVC may negatively impact lung flow rates and explains the marginal decrease in FEF, 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 FEF/FEV supports this conclusion. Significant decrease in FEF indicates abnormalities in the large airways/larynx just as significantly prolonged ventricular repolarization suggests cardiac arrhythmias.