Plasma Renal Functions amongst 'Petrol Station' Attendants in Owerri, South-East Nigeria

Abstract

This study assesses the renal function of individuals who are occupationally exposed to ‘petrol’ vapour. It is a cohort
study of 100 individuals comprising 50 ‘petrol station’ attendants (test) in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, and 50 apparently healthy individuals who are ‘non-petrol station’ attendants (control). Information on demographic and health profiles were obtained, and venous blood samples were collected for the analysis of plasma creatinine, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^- and HCO₃ using standard laboratory procedures. Results showed that plasma creatinine (1.17±0.30), K⁺ (3.77 ± 0.55) and HCO₃ ^- (28.52±2.72) concentrations amongst ‘petrol station’ attendants to be significantly higher  (P<0.05) compared to those of the control (0.87±0.18; 3.64±0.21 and 26.92±2.46 respectively). On the other hand,  plasma Na⁺ (131.70±4.16) and Cl^- (97.43±3.48) amongst ‘petrol station’ attendants were significantly lower compared to the control subjects (136.70±4.86 and 100.28±2.24 respectively). There was also a significant increase   (p<0.05) in plasma creatinine, K⁺ and HCO₃ ^- , and a significantly lower Na⁺ and Cl^- amongst ‘petrol station’ with 3– 6 years exposure when compared with those exposed for <1-2 years. These findings therefore, suggests that renal function impairment and nephrotoxicity, are associated with exposure to ‘petroleum’ vapours and its impact is time dependent.

Keywords: Renal/Kidney failure, Nephrotoxicity, Petroleum vapour, Owerri.