Biomarkers of hepato-renal damage of fuel filling station attendants using or abstaining from use of protective gears

Different gears (e.g. overall, mask, gloves) are being used for protective purposes by fuel filling station attendants (FFSA) in Nigeria. Whether they can adequately protect susceptible organs like liver and kidney remains largely undetermined. The aim of the study is to compare the biochemical parameters of hepato-renal axis in FFSA that abstained from and that used protective gears in the course of daily duty. Materials and Methods: The study population was grouped into three; GROUP A was made up of ten adult male FFSA who have used the protective measures consistently in the course of dispensing petroleum products. GROUP B was composed of 40 FFSA who did not use protective gears. GROUP C was the control group made up of thirty male adults not exposed to petroleum products. The minimum period of exposure for FFSA recruited for the study was 5 years. Information on worker safety was obtained through administered questionnaire concerning the use of self-protective equipment as a routine safety protocol for personal protection. Serum was utilized to assess biochemical indices of hepato-renal functions. Statistical differences were determined using Student’s t test and analysis of variance. p< 0.05 was considered significant.Results: Both GROUP A and GROUP B showed activities or levels of ALP, AST, ALT, creatinine, urea, albumin, and total protein that were significantly different compared with control (GROUP C), suggestive of hepatic damage.Conclusion: Data obtained from this study suggest that the three available protective gears used by FFSA in GROUP B did not significantly reduce exposure.