Level of Awareness and Perceptions about the Health Hazards of Spent-Engine Oil on Exposed Auto- Mechanics around Benin-City Metropolis, Southern Nigeria.

Abstract

Spent engine oil (SEO) is a lubricating oil that has served its purposes in a vehicle, withdrawn and considered a waste. It contains high amounts of the potent harmful chemicals including, heavy metals, PAHs, PCBs, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons which have been established to be detrimental to human health. Most of the auto-mechanics in Southern Nigeria are illiterates and unaware of this information. It was based on this that this research was designed with the aim of establishing the level of awareness of these auto-mechanics. Thirty tests (auto-mechanics) and thirty control subjects (non- mechanics) located around Benin City metropolis were recruited and properly informed about the research. They were made to sign consent forms and questionnaires were administered to collect information about their age, gender, marital status, and religion, period of exposure / work period or length, level of awareness, precautionary mode and factors that will improve the health factors of auto-mechanics. Pearson’s Chi square (X²) was used to analyze the data that were obtained.  The response from the questionnaire indicated complaints of pains around thoracic region, skin rashes etc. Unawareness of the detrimental contents of spent engine oil; poor precautionary and sanitary practices can have a detrimental effect on those occupationally exposed to it. Thus, the uses of hygienic protective practices (face and nose mask, clean overall gowns, gloves) are encouraged. There is also need for proper SEO disposal. Auto-mechanics are encouraged to go for regular medical check-ups.