Research Article
Effect of Fuel Exposure on Oil Company Workers
Ogbutor Udoji Godsday*
,
Ndubuishi Ifechukwudeni Christabel,
Nwose Jephtah Junior,
Anastacia Okwudili Ojimba,
Isaac Precious,
Erumi Blessing Selly-U,
Ogbutor Emeke Godson
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
43-59
Received:
24 July 2026
Accepted:
3 August 2026
Published:
22 August 2026
Abstract: Background: Occupational exposure to petroleum products poses substantial physiological risks to oil company workers. Aim: This study assessed the physiological effects of fuel exposure among oil company workers in Delta State, Nigeria. Methods: This study employed a comparative cross-sectional design involving 330 participants comprising 165 exposed workers (fuel attendants, refinery workers, and maintenance/technical staff) and 165 non-exposed academic staff of Delta State University, Abraka, serving as controls. Measurements of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), pulse rate (PR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and body temperature were obtained, alongside assessment of clinical symptoms across four physiological domains. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and chi-square tests at p < 0.05. Results: Exposed workers demonstrated significantly higher mean SBP (136.5 ± 14.2 vs. 124.3 ± 11.8 mmHg), DBP (88.7 ± 9.6 vs. 79.5 ± 8.4 mmHg), PR (84.2 ± 10.5 vs. 76.8 ± 8.9 bpm), and body temperature (37.2 ± 0.4 vs. 36.8 ± 0.3°C) compared to controls (all p < 0.001). Conversely, SpO2 (94.8 ± 2.1 vs. 97.1 ± 1.5%) and PEFR (410.6 ± 65.3 vs. 465.2 ± 58.7 L/min) were significantly lower in exposed workers (p < 0.001). Chi-square analysis revealed significantly higher prevalence of respiratory (χ2 = 42.67), neurological (χ2 = 46.18), and dermatological symptoms (χ2 = 32.54), and overall physiological symptom burden (χ2 = 52.89) among exposed workers (all p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that occupational fuel exposure significantly impairs multi-system physiological function.
Abstract: Background: Occupational exposure to petroleum products poses substantial physiological risks to oil company workers. Aim: This study assessed the physiological effects of fuel exposure among oil company workers in Delta State, Nigeria. Methods: This study employed a comparative cross-sectional design involving 330 participants comprising 165 expos...
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Research Article
Inhalation Bioaccessibility of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Fly Ash Generated From Petroluem Products and Waste Tyres
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
60-70
Received:
19 March 2026
Accepted:
31 July 2026
Published:
2 September 2026
Abstract: The inhalation of fine particulate matter (PM) containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) poses significant health and environmental risks due to the potential bioaccessibility of these toxic compounds in the human respiratory system. This study investigates the inhalation bioaccessibility of PAHs associated with fly ash produced from the combustion of petroleum-derived fuels (local diesel, pure diesel, kerosene, asphalt, and crude oil) and waste tyres. Fly ash samples were collected from the different sample materials and analyzed for 16 priority PAHs using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The extent to which a substance becomes available for absorption in the body was assessed using artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF) to simulate human lung conditions over exposure periods from 48 hours up to 96 hours. The results revealed that high-molecular-weight PAHs such as benzo [a] pyrene (BaP), fluoranthene, and pyrene were the most bioaccessible, particularly in fly ash from pure diesel and tyre combustion. the degree to which polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fly ash from different petroleum products and waste tyres are available for absorption in the body, varied significantly across fuel types, with waste tyre and diesel fly ash exhibiting the highest values. The findings underscore the importance of considering inhalation bioaccessibility when assessing the health risks of airborne PAHs from combustion sources. This study provides critical insights for air quality management and emphasizes the need for stricter controls on emissions from petroleum product use and waste tyre incineration.
Abstract: The inhalation of fine particulate matter (PM) containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) poses significant health and environmental risks due to the potential bioaccessibility of these toxic compounds in the human respiratory system. This study investigates the inhalation bioaccessibility of PAHs associated with fly ash produced from the c...
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