GENOTOXICITY,

The major components of petroleum are hydrocarbons which are toxic and have been implicated in a number of human diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the genotoxicity, oxidative stress and haemato – inflammatory markers among petroleum products exposed workers at NNPC Limited facilities at Abuja and environs. A total of two hundred and fifty adult males participated in this study. this research was a cross sectional study; a multivariable questionnaire was designed to provide answers to some questions. The questionnaire was divided into different sections comprises of social demographic variables such as age, sex, marital status, alcohol consumption, smoking etc. Others were awareness of hazards caused by occupational exposure to petroleum products and awareness of various ways of protection against the petroleum products with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Ethical approvals were obtained from Ministry of Environment, Abuja and Ethic committee of NNPC Limited. Under aseptic conditions, ten millimeter (10mls) of venous blood sample was obtained from each participating individuals at the end of the work shift on the day of exposure. The samples were processed according to each parameter requirement. Parameters such
benzene and its derivatives (phenol, styrene, butanoic acid, benzene, benzene chloro, o – xylene, toluene, benze 1, 3, dimethyl, p – xylene, naphthalene and ethylbenzene), oxidative stress markers (CRP, total oxidative capacity, glutathione reductase), inflammatory and immunological markers (IL1, IL3, IL4, IL6, IL9, IL10, IFN gamma, Human LT beta, IgG and IgM), haematological parameters and deoxyribonucleic acid damage marker (8 hydroxyl 2 deoxylguanosine) were analysed using standard methods according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Results showed significantly higher phenol in tanker drivers compared with petrol
attendants, auto mechanics and NNPC staff.