Haematologic and biochemical implications of inhalation of fumes of petroleum products

Aims: To investigate the Haematologic and biochemical implications of exposure to fumes of petroleum products in human subjects.

Methods: A total of 100 subjects (40 males and 60 females) aged between 18-30 years participated in the study. Each gender was further categorized into two groups of 10 controls and 30 tests in males and 20 controls and 40 tests in females. Test Group 1 subjects were exposed to fumes of petroleum products for two years and below while test Group 2 subjects were exposed for more than two years. Samples of blood were collected daily and subjected to haematological and biochemical analysis.

Results: There was a significant decrease in red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, pack cell volume and haemoglobin concentration in the test Groups 1 and 2 compared to control and a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferases. The odds/odds ratios of subjects becoming anaemic progressively rose from less than 1 in the control to greater than 1 in test groups.

Conclusion: Frequent exposure to fumes of petroleum products causes reduction in haematological indices and deleterious effect to the liver cells which worsens with prolonged exposure.