Reduced Haematological Indices in Auto-Mechanics and Fuel Attendants in Elele Nigeria

Anslem O. Ajugwo^1, , Teddy C. Adias², Kevin Aghatise³, Johnson K. Fadairo³ and Clement U. Nyenke⁴

¹Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Madonna University Elele, Nigeria

²Bayelsa State College of Health Technology Ogbia, Nigeria

³Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Achievers University Owo, Nigeria

⁴Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Rivers State

Cite this paper:
Anslem O. Ajugwo, Teddy C. Adias, Kevin Aghatise, Johnson K. Fadairo and Clement U. Nyenke. Reduced Haematological Indices in Auto-Mechanics and Fuel Attendants in Elele Nigeria. American Journal of Medical and Biological Research. 2014; 2(1):1-4. doi: 10.12691/ajmbr-2-1-1

Abstract

Gasoline is largely a mixture of hydrocarbon and hydrocarbon consists of mixture of n-paraffins, naphthalene, olefins and aromatics. Aromatics is mostly a mixture of benzene, toluene and xylene. Fuel attendants and auto mechanics are exposed to gasoline either by direct contact or inhalation. The effect of this exposure in fuel attendants and auto mechanics is determined using haematological parameters. 35 fuel attendants and 35 auto mechanics were used as test group and compared with 30 apparently healthy individuals of same age range. Some haematological parameters were determined using standard manual methods. RBC, Hb, MCH and MCHC were reduced (p < 0.05) in fuel attendants and auto mechanics when compared with control. Fuel attendants exposed to gasoline fumes beyond 2 years have lower (p < 0.05) PCV, Hb, MCH and MCHC than those exposed for 2 years or less while auto mechanics of over two years had their RBC, Hb, MCH and MCHC significantly lower (p < 0.05) than auto mechanics of two years and below. Auto mechanics and fuel attendants are exposed to gasoline vapour leading to decreased haematological indices. Fuel attendants are more at risk than auto mechanics and could be at risk of developing anaemia over time.

Keywords:
gasoline fuel attendants auto mechanics haematological parameters anaemia

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