Effect of Long Term Exposure to Petrol Fumes on Liver Function- A Study in Petrol Pump Attendants

Deepa Sanjeev Nair, Madhura Yogesh Bedekar, Meena Jitendra Agrawal, Anagha Madan Gupte

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Petrol is an integral part of modern world. Various studies suggest that ingredients of petrol have a toxic effect on various organs. Petrol pump attends are exposed to petrol fumes. This study was conducted in petrol pump attendants in Pune city to study the effect of long term exposure to petrol fumes on liver function. Study group consisted of 30 petrol pump attendants (25-45 yrs) with a history of exposure of more than 5 years.  Control group were also in the same age group with no h/o exposure to petrol fumes.  Peripheral venous blood was collected and Liver function test was studied.  Serum Bilirubin- Direct & Indirect, Alanine Amino transferase ( ALT)  Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST)  Alkaline Phosphatase, Total protein, Albumin & Globulin were measure in the test group as well as control group. The data was compared statistically using student’s‘t’ test. Serum bilirubin (both direct & indirect), ALT, AST, Alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in the test group compared to control group.  Total protein, albumin and globulin were also elevated in test group compared to control group. There is a possible toxic effect of petrol fumes on hepatocytes which is minimal at present but can progress to more damage if the exposure continues.

Petrol pump attendants liver function tests