Effect of gasoline exposure on some renal and hepatic function parameters of petrol station workers in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This research was to investigate the effect of gasoline exposure on the liver and kidney function biomarkers of petroleum attendants in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 60 subjects participated in the study, comprising 20 unexposed individuals and 40 exposed to gasoline. Socio-demographic characteristics and duration of exposure data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. According to age group and duration of exposure, the participants were grouped accordingly. Biochemical markers of liver and kidney functions were carried out using standard methods. The mean creatinine level and urea concentrations for subjects with duration of exposure for 3-5 years and > 5 years (71.43 ± 3.89 mmol/L and 3.03 ± 0.24 mmol/L) and (69.38 ± 2.40mmol/L and 2.81 ± 0.09mmol/L) respectively were significantly elevated in comparison to the unexposed group. Elevated levels of AST and GGT (34.00 ± 9.10 U/L and 95.14 ± 52.21 U/L) respectively were witnessed in the long-term exposure group. This differed significantly when compared to the unexposed control group. The creatinine, urea and AST levels (71.67±2.41mmol/L, 2.87±0.18mmol/L and 33.50±5.09IU/l) respectively for the age bracket 36-45 years when compared to the age bracket 18-25 years (60.00±1.74mmol/L, 2.49±0.09mmol/L and 28.25±2.46IU/l respectively) showed a significant increase (P< 0.05).A relationship exists between levels of liver function parameters and kidney function markers and the duration of gasoline exposure. Vapour adversely imparts health and has a deleterious effect on liver and kidney function. Hence older petroleum workers could be considered more prone to organ stress.