Influence of Spent-Engine Oil on Hematology, Renal and Liver Status of Auto- Mechanics of Benin-City, Nigeria

This study was aimed at assessing the effects of spent engine oil on hematological parameters, renal and liver status of auto-mechanics. A questionnaire was design and blood sample was collected from both auto-mechanics and non-mechanics. The response from the questionnaire indicated complaints of pains around thoracic region, skin rashes etc; unawareness of the detrimental contents of spent engine oil; poor precautionary and sanitary practices. Assessment of renal status indicated that plasma urea and creatinine levels for auto-mechanics (18mg/dl and 0.81mg/dl, respectively) were significantly higher compared to non-mechanics (16mg/dl and 0.68mg/dl, respectively). Haematological profile of the auto-mechanics compared to non-automechanics showed that packed cell volume increased significantly (41%) for auto-mechanics compared to non-automechanics (39%); haemoglobin concentration increased significantly (14.3g/dl compared to 13g/dl); and neutrophils increased significantly (34% compared to 26%). Though, lymphocytes increased (65.9%) compared (65.5%, for non-automechanics), this was not significant (p=0.850). Neutrophils (p<0.05) and lymphocytes (p=0.850) increased for the automechanics (33.5% and 65.9%, respectively) compared to the non-automechanics (26.4% and 65.5%, respectively). Alkaline phosphatase activity increased (19.7U/l) compared to (16.6U/l, non-automechanics); while aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase significantly decreased (13.4U/l and 7.4U/l, respectively) compared to (9.7U/l and 4.8U/l, respectively). Thus, the uses of hygienic protective practices are encouraged like the use of face and nose mask, and auto-mechanics are encouraged to go for regular medical check-up.

Keywords
Auto-mechanics; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); Spent engine oil; Questionnaire