Exposure to gasoline power generator exhaust fume negatively affected hematological, liver and kidney function parameters in female albino rats (766.7)

Abstract

The lack of constant electricity power supply to meet utility usage in developing countries like Nigeria has warrant the use of petroleum powered generators to supply electricity. There has also been dearth research on the effects of exposure to fumes from the generators thus necessitating the need for this research. This study therefore investigated hematological, liver, kidney, hormonal and histopathological changes in female albino rats exposed to gasoline power generator exhaust fume at varied distance of 100, 200 and 300 meter respectively after 42 days. Present study showed that there was significant (p < 0.05) increase in packed cell volume, white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophiles, monocytes and platelets in the exposed animals compared to control unexposed rats. Liver and kidney function parameters were also significantly (p < 0.05) increased whereas there were no significant (p <0.05) difference in follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, progesterone and estradiol amongst the animals, however, luteinizing hormone was increased in 300 meter exposed rats. Histopathological investigation showed degenerated organs in the exposed animals compared to control. Generally, the observed variations in the parameters were proportional to the distance from source of exposure. This study demonstrated that constant exposure to gasoline power generator as is the case in Nigeria could induce some biochemical changes which may be toxic to exposed individuals and may lead to adverse health conditions such as cancer.