Effect of Exposure to Petroleum Products on Methaemoglobin Levels of Fuel Station Attendants in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the associated hazards of exposure to petroleum products on methaemoglobin levels of fuel station attendants in Port Harcourt metropolis. Fuel station attendants are exposed to the hazards of their occupation through inhalation of petroleum fumes, ingestion by chance and though skin penetration from broken skin surfaces. A total of forty-nine (49) subjects consisting of twenty-nine (29) occupationally exposed fuel station attendants and twenty (20) non-exposed apparently healthy aged-matched controls were enrolled. K3EDTA was used to collect 4ml of venous blood from all subjects. Methaemoglobin estimation was based on Evelyn and Malloy manual method. Measurement was done spectrophotometrically at 630nm wavelength and the results were reported as percentage. Statistical analysis was carried out using Graph-Pad Prism 5 and a significant difference in methaemoglobin level (p<0.0001) was observed between fuel station attendants (5.676 ± 3.044) and control subjects (2.085 ± 0.815). Comparison based on body mass index and gender were made in relation to methaemoglobin levels and it was observed that none had a statistical significance on methaemoglobin levels (p>0.05). Increased duration of occupational exposure to petroleum products was associated with increase in methaemoglobin level. This study shows that exposure to petroleum products are associated with changes in methaemoglobin levels and can potentially be detrimental to the health of fuel station attendants. There is need for measures to be put in place to reduce the risk of occupational exposure to petroleum products. The methaemoglobin levels and health status of occupational exposed individuals should be monitored regularly.