Effects of Petrol Fumes on Renal Function Parameters of Petrol Station Attendants in Sagamu, Nigeria

Petroleum fuels contain many toxic chemical compounds and trace metals. Previous studies on the effects of exposure to petroleum fuels on the kidneys in occupationally exposed workers are contradictory. This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 60 participants, including 30 petrol station attendants who have been on the job for at least one year and 30 age and sex matched controls in Sagamu metropolis, Nigeria, that have never been occupationally exposed to petroleum fuels. Blood samples were taken from the participants for the analysis of routine kidney function parameters. The plasma concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea and creatinine were determined. The estimated creatinine clearance was calculated using the Cock-croft Gault equation. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher plasma urea levels were found in the petrol station attendants when compared to their control counterparts and the levels of plasma sodium, chloride and the calculated creatinine clearance were significantly (p < 0.05) lesser in petrol station attendants than in the control group. The results of this study based on the period of exposure have not indicated any progression to renal disease as compared to the control group but however suggest a tendency towards azotaemia and subclinical, prepathologic effects on the kidneys.