Effect of Occupational exposure to Gasoline on Reproductive and Thyroid hormones among male Petrol station attendants in Kwara State

Abstract

Introduction: Petrol fume contain organic compounds that have been suggested to be endocrine disruptors. There is paucity of data on  petrol fume-linked health challenges in Nigeria. Thus, we evaluated the effects of petrol fume exposure on blood levels of reproductive  and thyroid hormones among petrol pump station attendants in Kwara state, Nigeria.

Material and Methods: Eighty (80) petrol station  attendants and fifty (50) non-occupationally exposed subjects were recruited as controls. Anthropometric indices were taken and fasting  blood samples were collected after signing the consent form. Free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating  hormone (TSH), testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were evaluated using standard techniques.

Results:  Average age and BMI of petrol fume-exposed subjects are 27.40±0.419 and 24.98±0.254 respectively and was not different from controls.  Elevated FT3 and FT4 were evaluated with a decreased TSH level in the exposed group when compared with controls. In contrast, FSH, LH  and testosterone were significantly reduced in exposed group when compared with control.

Conclusion: The result of this study shows  that petrol fume toxicants adversely alter thyroid and gonadal functions thereby modulating circulating levels of reproductive and thyroid  hormones in male petrol station attendants in Kwara state.