Gasoline fumes exposure and risk of respiratory disease among fuel pump attendants in Owerri Municipal Council, Nigeria

Abstract

Gasoline fumes exposure and risk of respiratory disease was investigated in this cross-sectional study. The risk and factors influencing it were also assessed.  A total of 216 non-smoking subjects (108 fuel and 108 shop attendants) aged between 18-60 years and above who had worked for more than 1 year in fuel stations and shops located in Owerri Municipal, Imo state participated in the study. Their socio-demographic and occupational histories were recorded with questionnaire based on informed consent. Peak Expiratory Flow Rates (PEFRs) were recorded and analyzed separately for test and control group. Data collected were analyzed with Computer software SPSS Version 16, values of P less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results obtained showed that majority of the attendants were single-female adults, aged between 20-29 years, who had worked between 0-4 and 5-9 years in fuel stations and shops respectively. Odd Ratio (risk) of 3.2 was found in fuel pump attendants. Variations in PEFR of fuel attendants were found to be significantly associated with their years of gasoline exposure (0.000), age (p=0.000), sex (p=0.000), height (p=0.000) and work schedule (p=0.010). There was a statistical significant decrease in PEFR of fuel pump attendants (308.89±51.34), when compared with that of the shop attendants (350.46±46.41). The results revealed reduced respiratory/pulmonary function and risk of respiratory disease which worsen with years of exposure to gasoline fumes in fuel pump workers. Medical observations involving pre-employment and periodic post-medical check-ups like lung function tests and use of nose mask (respirator) were recommended for the protection of fuel pump workers.