Reduced Haematological Indices in Auto-Mechanics and Fuel Attendants in Elele Nigeria

Abstract

Gasoline is largely a mixture of hydrocarbon and hydrocarbon consists of mixture of n-paraffins, naphthalene, olefins and aromatics. Aromatics is mostly a mixture of benzene, toluene and xylene. Fuel attendants and auto mechanics are exposed to gasoline either by direct contact or inhalation. The effect of this exposure in fuel attendants and auto mechanics is determined using haematological parameters. 35 fuel attendants and 35 auto mechanics were used as test group and compared with 30 apparently healthy individuals of same age range. Some haematological parameters were determined using standard manual methods. RBC, Hb, MCH and MCHC were reduced (p < 0.05) in fuel attendants and auto mechanics when compared with control. Fuel attendants exposed to gasoline fumes beyond 2 years have lower (p < 0.05) PCV, Hb, MCH and MCHC than those exposed for 2 years or less while auto mechanics of over two years had their RBC, Hb, MCH and MCHC significantly lower (p < 0.05) than auto mechanics of two years and below. Auto mechanics and fuel attendants are exposed to gasoline vapour leading to decreased haematological indices. Fuel attendants are more at risk than auto mechanics and could be at risk of developing anaemia over time.

Recent advances in occupational and environmental health hazards of workers exposed to gasoline compounds

“…Accordingly, Okoro et al [20] observed time-dependent significant decreases in red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular concentration (MCHC), mean cell volume (MCV), and mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) among 200 exposed gasoline station workers at Calabar. A recent study by Ajugwo et al [6] in Elele in Nigeria made a similar observation. Likewise, studies by Qu et al [19] and Aleemuddin et al [25] showed significant decreases in RBC, WBC and neutrophil counts among workers exposed to gasoline compounds.…”

“…Several epidemiological studies [6,[16][17][18][19][20][21] have established a close association between exposure to gasoline compounds and hematoxicity for humans. Although the reports of its effects on specific blood cells have been somewhat inconsistent, gasoline hematoxicity appears to be a constant feature and has been observed even at levels previously considered harmless to humans [22][23][24].…”

“…Studies among healthy workers exposed to hydrocarbons have shown a higher incidence of proteinuria, oliguria, albuminuria, hematuria, and leucocyturia than controls [50,[106][107][108][109]. Furthermore, an increased incidence of raised blood pressure (BP) [103] and anaemia [6] has also been reported.…”

“…These hydrocarbons are readily absorbed and may cause a wide range of adverse health effects. Such effects may vary depending on several factors, including differences in exposure intensity and duration [6], chemical and molecular properties of the gasoline, as well as inter-individual differences, due to variation in individuals' pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics related to the different gasoline components [7]. Since each of the BTEX compounds has an inherent toxic potential, workers at gasoline stations are the population at greatest risk of being simultaneously exposed to the synergistic and/or additive adverse effects of the gasoline constituents.…”

DNA damage assessment among urban female street sweepers exposed to vehicular exhaust in metro Manila, Philippines

“…The insignificant effect of fuel exhaust exposure to the chosen hematological factors may indicate that the dose and duration of exposure to the genotoxicant is not that high to cause an effect on DNA damage. Length/duration of exposure was pointed out by Ajugwo et al (2014) as the most probable factor that causes the reduction in RBC (Red blood cell count), WBC (White blood cell count), PCV (Packed cell volume), Hb (Haemoglobin concentration), MCV (Mean cell volume), MCH (Mean cell haemoglobin) and MCHC (Mean cell haemoglobin concentration) in fuel attendants and auto mechanics exposed to gasoline fumes.…”