Oxidative Lipid Peroxidation in Petroleum Pump Attendants: Possible Predisposing Factors for Familial Cardiovascular Diseases

Objective: Petroleum pump attendants are constantly exposed to petroleum-derived toxicants, like aromatic hydrocarbons, released into the ambient air during dispensing, and these cause some biochemical changes, including lipid peroxidation. This study investigated possible effects of these toxicants on the lipid profile of petroleum pump attendants in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was undertaken between June and December, 2024 and involved 60 adult male and female (22 males and 38 females, age range was 18 to 35 years) petroleum pump attendants and another 60 sex and age-matched non-attendants (26 males and 34 females) as control subjects. Structured questionnaires was given to each participant and retrieved prior to sample collection. Total cholesterol, HDL and Triglycerides were estimated using enzymatic methods while VLDL and LDL were calculated using Friedwald formula. Results: The results showed that petroleum pump attendants in the study area do not use protective measures. 53% of them work for more than 8 hours daily and 80% of them consume more fried foods. There were statistically significant increases (p<0.05 each) of all lipid parameters in pump attendants when compared with control groups, except HDL. There was positive correlation between work duration and levels of VLDL and Triglycerides, negative correlation between work duration and HDL, but no significant correlation between work duration and Total cholesterol and LDL. The results did not show any statistical difference between male and female attendants. Conclusion: Despite the nutritional habit of most of the petroleum pump attendants, the aromatic hydrocarbons inhaled from the petroleum fume is suspected to have contributed significantly to the lipid derangements, implying the possibility of development of inheritable cardiovascular diseases as work duration increases. Use of personal protective equipment, regular health monitoring, and good workplace policies are imperative.