title: Evaluation of haematological, hepatic and renal functions of petroleum tanker drivers in Lagos, Nigeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hydrocarbons which are among the major components of petroleum products are considered toxic and have been implicated in a number of human diseases. Tanker drivers are continuously exposed to hydrocarbons by inhalation and most of these drivers do not use protective devices to prevent inhalation of petroleum products; nor do they visit hospital regularly for routine check-up.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In view of this occupational hazard, we investigated the haematological, renal and hepatic functions of workers of petroleum tankers drivers in Lagos, Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five tanker drivers' and fifteen control subjects were randomly selected based on the selection criteria of not smoking and working for minimum of 5 years as petroleum tanker driver. The liver, renal and haematological parameters were analyzed using automated clinical and haematological analyzers while the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant level tests were assayed using standard methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in the levels of serum alanine amino transferase (31.14±13.72; 22.38±9.89), albumin (42.50±4.69; 45.36±1.74) and alkaline phosphatase (84.04±21.89; 62.04±23.33) of petroleum tanker drivers compared with the controls. A significant (p≤0.05) increase in the levels of creatinine, urea and white blood cells of the tanker drivers, compared with the controls, were also obtained.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results have enormous health implications of continuous exposure to petroleum products reflected hepatic and renal damage of petroleum tanker drivers. Therefore, there is need for this group of workers to be sensitized on the importance of protective devises, regular medical checkup and management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Lagos-Nigeria.
authors.forename: Olufunsho
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Awodele
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Lagos-Nigeria.
authors.forename: Ademola A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Sulayman
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Lagos-Nigeria.
authors.forename: Alade
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akintonwa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis*; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D007677:Kidney Function Tests / Q000379:methods*; D008111:Liver Function Tests / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010578:Petroleum / Q000633:toxicity*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D006838:Hydrocarbons; D010578:Petroleum
keywords: hydrocarbons; liver functions; oxidative stress; petroleum tanker drivers; renal