Patterns and Distribution of Self-Reported Occupational Chemical Exposure Among Workers at A Selected Oil and Gas Facility in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Aims: To characterise the patterns and distribution of self-reported occupational chemical exposure among workers at a selected oil and gas facility in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: A selected oil and gas facility in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, during the study data-collection period. Methodology: A structured 45-item questionnaire was administered to 385 eligible workers using a total population approach within the accessible workforce. This manuscript analysed sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported indicators of occupational chemical exposure, including exposure frequency, direct chemical handling, chemical agents, workplace odours, proximity to process areas, confined-space work, and previous chemical spills or leaks. Categorical variables were summarised as frequencies and percentages, while age was presented as mean and standard deviation. Results: The mean age was 38.36 ± 5.82 years. Contract workers constituted 342 (88.8%) participants, and 322 (83.6%) worked in refining/processing. Occupational chemical exposure was reported daily by 115 (29.9%), weekly by 12 (3.1%), occasionally by 59 (15.3%), and never by 199 (51.7%). Direct chemical handling was reported by 153 (39.7%). Diesel was reported by 112 (29.1%), while volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and solvents were each reported by 55 (14.3%); benzene was reported by 45 (11.7%). Strong chemical odours were experienced at least occasionally by 199 (51.7%), 134 (34.8%) regularly worked near tanks, flaring, or gas-processing areas, and 260 (67.5%) reported previous workplace chemical spills or leaks. Conclusion: Self-reported occupational chemical exposure occurred through diverse agents and workplace circumstances within the selected facility. The findings support task- and location-specific industrial-hygiene assessment, improved chemical inventories, and strengthened source-based controls. Because exposure was questionnaire-based, the results do not establish chemical concentrations, absorbed doses, or causal health effects.