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Effects of Duration of Exposure on Biochemical and
Haematological Profile in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Plant Workers
Obodo, B.N.*1, Iyevhobu, K.O.1, Idara, I.U.2, Okobi, T.J.3, Abayomi, S.A.4,
Usoro, E.R.5, Bisiriyu, A.H.6, Omolumen, L.E.1, Omisakin, I.A.7
a namecforme2@gmail.com
1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State.
2Holy Trinity Hospital, Abuja.
3Georgetown University Washington D.C.
4Maitama District Hospital, FCT, Abuja.
5Augusta University, Augusta Georgia.
6Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (NFELTP).
7Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, State Specialist Hospital, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Abstract
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plant workers are exposed to a number o f hydrocarbons from handling petroleum and
petroleum-based products and this exposure poses a major health challenge to these workers. This stud y was designed to
evaluate the effects of duration of exposure on biochemical and haematological profile in LPG plant workers. A total of
one hundred (1 00) subjects between 20-60 years were recruited for this study which consist of fifty (50) liquefied gas
plant workers and fifty (50) non LPG gas plant workers. Blood samples (10ml) were collected from the cubital vein of
each subject using sterile needles and syringes into K3-EDTA tubes and plain plastic containers. The biochemical and
haematological parameters were analyzed using stand ard procedures as prescribed by the manufacturers. The results
showed that there was significance difference (p<0.0 5) observed in all the heamatological parameters as compared with
the respective controls. However, there was no significant difference ((p>0.05) in neutrophils values obtained as compared
with the control. The serum sodium levels were higher in subjects that had one y ear exposure. Serum potassium was
higher in the subjects with 2-3 years of exposure. Urea and creatinine levels were higher in subjects with 4 -5 years of
experience. AST levels were higher in subjects with o ne year experience when compared with other years. ALT were
higher in subject with 2-3 years exposure. ALP levels were higher in subjects with 4-5 years of exposu re while GGT
levels were higher in subjects with 5 years of exposure. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) observed in the renal
and liver profile within the period of exposure to LPG. However, the total white blood cell count was sign ificantly higher
(p<0.05) in subjects with 4-5 years and over 5 years of exposure when compared with 1 year and 2-3 years of exposure
while there was no significant difference (p<0.05) observed for other haematological parameters. The results of this study
showed that exposure to LPG resulted in significant alterations in haematological parameters. However, exposure to LPG
had significant effect only on the total white blood cell count while there was with no significant effect on the renal and
liver profile of LPG plant workers.
Published by IJRP.ORG. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of International Journal
of Research Publications (IJRP.ORG)
Keywords: Liquefied petroleum gas, Exposure, Haematology, Kidney, Liver, Health
1. Introduction
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is extensively used in homes and vehicles (Eva et al., 201 7). It is extracted
from crude oil and natural gas and it is made of hydrocarbons containing three or four carbon atoms (Eva et
al., 2017). Other hydrocarbon derivatives such as petrol and diesel are a mixture of volatile hydrocarbons and
Available online at www.ijrp.org
International Journal of Research Publications
Volume-58, Issue-1,August 2020
ISSN number 2708-3578 (Online)
Accepted and Published Manuscript
Effects of Duration of Exposure on Biochemical and Haematological Profile in Liquefied Petroleum
Gas (LPG) Plant Workers
Obodo, B.N., Iyevhobu, K.O., Idara, I.U., Okobi, T.J., Abayomi, S.A., Usoro, E.R., Bisiriyu, A.H.,
Omolumen, L.E., Omisakin, I.A.
PII : Obodo.100581820201352
DOI: 100581820201352
Web: http://ijrp.org/paper-detail/1353
To appear in: International Journal of Research Publication (IJRP.ORG)
Received date: 05 Aug 2020
Accepted date: 08 Aug 2020
Published date: 10 Aug 2020
Please cite this article as: Obodo, B.N., Iyevhobu, K.O., Idara, I.U., Okobi, T.J., Abayomi, S.A., Usoro,
E.R., Bisiriyu, A.H., Omolumen, L.E., Omisakin, I.A. , Effects of Duration of Exposure on Biochemical
and Haematological Profile in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Plant Workers , International Journal of
Research Publication (Volume: 58, Issue: 1), http://ijrp.org/paper-detail/1353
This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our
customers we are providing this final version of the manuscript.
2020 Published by IJRP.ORG. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of International Journal of
Research Publications (IJRP.ORG). ISSN number 2708-3578 (Online)
Effects of Duration of Exposure on Biochemical and
Haematological Profile in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Plant Workers
Obodo, B.N.*1, Iyevhobu, K.O.1, Idara, I.U.2, Okobi, T.J.3, Abayomi, S.A.4,
Usoro, E.R.5, Bisiriyu, A.H.6, Omolumen, L.E.1, Omisakin, I.A.7
a namecforme2@gmail.com
1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State.
2Holy Trinity Hospital, Abuja.
3Georgetown University Washington D.C.
4Maitama District Hospital, FCT, Abuja.
5Augusta University, Augusta Georgia.
6Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (NFELTP).
7Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, State Specialist Hospital, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Abstract
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plant workers are exposed to a number of hydrocarbons from handling petroleum and
petroleum-based products and this exposure poses a major health challenge to these workers. This study was designed to
evaluate the effects of duration of exposure on biochemical and haematological profile in LPG plant workers. A total of
one hundred (100) subjects between 20-60 years were recruited for this study which consist of fifty (50) liquefied gas
plant workers and fifty (50) non LPG gas plant workers. Blood samples (10ml) were collected from the cubital vein of
each subject using sterile needles and syringes into K3-EDTA tubes and plain plastic containers. The biochemical and
haematological parameters were analyzed using standard procedures as prescribed by the manufacturers. The results
showed that there was significance difference (p<0.05) observed in all the heamatological parameters as compared with
the respective controls. However, there was no significant difference ((p>0.05) in neutrophils values obtained as compared
with the control. The serum sodium levels were higher in subjects that had one year exposure. Serum potassium was
higher in the subjects with 2-3 years of exposure. Urea and creatinine levels were higher in subjects with 4-5 years of
experience. AST levels were higher in subjects with one year experience when compared with other years. ALT were
higher in subject with 2-3 years exposure. ALP levels were higher in subjects with 4-5 years of exposure while GGT
levels were higher in subjects with 5 years of exposure. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) observed in the renal
and liver profile within the period of exposure to LPG. However, the total white blood cell count was significantly higher
(p<0.05) in subjects with 4-5 years and over 5 years of exposure when compared with 1 year and 2-3 years of exposure
while there was no significant difference (p<0.05) observed for other haematological parameters. The results of this study
showed that exposure to LPG resulted in significant alterations in haematological parameters. However, exposure to LPG
had significant effect only on the total white blood cell count while there was with no significant effect on the renal and
liver profile of LPG plant workers.
Published by IJRP.ORG. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of International Journal
of Research Publications (IJRP.ORG)
Keywords: Liquefied petroleum gas, Exposure, Haematology, Kidney, Liver, Health
1. Introduction
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is extensively used in homes and vehicles (Eva et al., 2017). It is extracted
from crude oil and natural gas and it is made of hydrocarbons containing three or four carbon atoms (Eva et
al., 2017). Other hydrocarbon derivatives such as petrol and diesel are a mixture of volatile hydr ocarbons and
Obodo, B.N. / International Journal of Research Publications (IJRP.ORG)
www.ijrp.org
distillate petroleum respectively (Donaldson et al., 2015). LPG plant workers are exposed to a number of
these hydrocarbons in fuel vapors during dispensing and gases emanating from vehicle exhausts (Rekhadevi
et al., 2010). In the LPG work stations, the increased emissions of these volatile hydrocarbons are as result of
the volume of LPG dispensed and the ambient temperature.
Several constituents of the LPG products have been found to be hazardous including benzene, xylene and
toluene with benzene being the most hazardous (Rekhadevi et al., 2010). These hazardous effects include the
onset of anaemia and cancer which is more evident in individuals with prolonged exposure (IPCS, 1993). It is
obvious that LPG attendants in filing stations, drivers of gasoline trucks, service station attendants and
refinery workers are more susceptible to the harms of LPG due to chronic work-related exposure (Abou-
ElWafa et al., 2015). LPG is readily available in the atmosphere any time due to the fact that they are volatile
and this is most common in LPG plant stations and depots (Gupta and Dogra, 2012). The deleterious effects
of exposure to LPG depend largely on the chemicals that constitute LPG such as benzene and lead (Abou -
ElWafa et al., 2015). Inhalation of LPG vapors even in small amounts have been reported to cause dizziness,
headaches, nose and throat irritation, breathing difficulties, confusion, vomiting, allergic and skin reaction
such as rash and redness (Abou-ElWafa et al., 2015).
Furthermore, a more serious health implication of LPG is related to the alteration of the haemopoietic system
with bone marrow depression (Sahb, 2011). Diseases that are related to occupation in LPG plant stations have
been reported over the years and affect workers in several ways, and this poses a major threat to their health
and wellbeing. There is growing concern over the use of LPG among individuals who constantly inhale this
substance with a reported significant higher disease burden (Sugie, 2014). These occupational hea lth hazards
have significantly increased mostly in industrialized and developing countries (Saponaro et al., 2009). There
tend to be limited studies on the effects of duration of LPG exposure on biochemical and hematological
parameters, which however stemmed the interest to carry out this study.
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
2.1 Research Design
A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on LPG plant workers in Benin City, Edo State Nigeria
from August 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019 in which workers exposed to LPG were compared with
individuals who were not exposed (control group). The LPG gas plant workers were all males who work
between 8am to 2pm and from 2pm-8pm daily. The LPG plant workers were interviewed and blood samples
were collected in the Manager’s office at 12pm and 4pm daily when there were high chances of minimal work
load. The control group were interviewed, examined and considered not to have worked or currently working
in LPG gas station before collection of blood samples. Also questionnaires were used to collect the
information on age, duration of LPG exposure and general health status.
2.2 Study Population
A total of one hundred (100) subjects between 20-60 years were recruited for this study which consist of fifty
(50) LPG plant workers and fifty (50) individuals who are not exposed to LPG (controls).
2.3 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Apparently healthy LPG plant workers and controls with no underlying illness or symptoms were recruited
for this study. Subjects who are not within 20-60 years, and have underlying illness or symptoms were
Obodo, B.N. / International Journal of Research Publications (IJRP.ORG)
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3
excluded from this study. Also subjects who did not give consent were not included in the study.
2.4 Ethical Consideration
Ethical approval was obtained from the University Research Ethics Committee. An informed verbal consent
of the subjects to participate voluntarily in the study with a full right to withdraw was obtained with assurance
of confidentiality and anonymity of the data.
2.5 Sample Collection
Venous blood samples (10mls) were collected from the cubital vein of each subject with the aid of syringe
and needle into K3-EDTA tubes and serum plastic containers. The EDTA blood sample was used for
haematological parameters. The blood sample in the plain containers was used for the estimation of
biochemical parameter. It was centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 minutes and serum immediately separated from
the cells into plain containers with label corresponding to initial blood sample bottle. The serum samples were
stored frozen at −70∘ C until the time for analysis.
2.6 Sample Analysis
The samples obtained from the LPG plant workers was analyzed for activities of liver enzymes (aspartate
aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl
transferase (GGT), renal function tests (creatinine, urea, potassium and sodium) and complete blood count
(CBC) (Rietman and Frankel, 1957; Szasz, 1969; Fabiny and Ertingshausen, 1971; Rec,1972). CBC was
carried out within 2-4 hours of sample collection using Sysmex KX-21N Analyzer and the heamatological
parameters analyzed included the white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin
(Hb) concentration, haematocrit (Hct) percentage, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular
haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) platelets count (PLT) and
differential white blood cell count. The sera obtained were used to estimate AST, ALT, ALP, GGT,
creatinine, urea, sodium and potassium using the commercially available reagent kits, standard protocols and
equipments.
2.7 Statistical Analysis
The results obtained in this study were analyzed statistically and the mean and standard deviation values
calculated in each case. The Student t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistical methods were
employed for comparison using a computer programme (SPSS) for window release 21.0. A p-value equal or
less than 0.05 (P≤0.05) were considered statistically significant at 95% confidence level.
3.0 RESULTS
The results showed that there was significance difference (p<0.05) in the values of MCHC (32.55 ± 1.13
g/dl), MCH (27.36 ± 1.98 pg), MCV (84.00 ± 5.38 fl) when compared with t he controls respectively (32.28 ±
2.64 g/dl), (28.54 ± 3.13 pg) and (86.46 ± 6.90 fl). There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the total white
blood cell count (5184.00 ± 1352.45 x 106/L) when compared with the control (5732.00 ± 1770.21 x 106/L).
There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the platelet count (174.58 ± 60.15 x 10 6/L) when compared with
the control (192.64 ± 65.31 x 106/L). There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the red blood cell count
(5.20 ± 0.58 x 106/L) when compared with the control (4.81 ± 0.75 x 106/L). Also, there was significant
difference (p<0.05) when the values of the lymphocytes and MIX (eosinophils, basophils and monocytes)
Obodo, B.N. / International Journal of Research Publications (IJRP.ORG)
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were compared with the controls. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in neutrophils values obtained
as compared with the control. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the PCV values (43.46 ± 2.91 %)
when compared with the controls (42.10 ± 2.69 %). Also significant difference was obtained in the
haemoglobin levels of the subjects (14.08 ± 0.92 g/dl) when compared with the control (43.46 ± 2.910.92
g/dl) (Table I).
The results also showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in all the haematological parameters
when compared across different age groups (Table II).
The results on renal profile showed that serum sodium levels were higher in subjects that had one year
exposure. Serum potassium was higher in the subjects with 2-3 years of exposure. Urea and creatinine levels
were higher in subjects with 4-5 years of experience; though these observations were not statistically
significant (p>0.05) (Table III).
Furthermore, AST levels were higher in subjects with one year experience when compared with other years.
ALT were higher in subject with 2-3 years exposure. ALP levels were higher in subjects with 4-5 years of
exposure while GGT levels were higher in subjects with 5 years of exposure, though these observations were
not statistically significant (p>0.05) (Table IV).
The results showed that white blood cell count was significantly higher (p<0.05) in subjects with 4-5 years
and over 5 years of LPG exposure when compared with 1 year and 2-3 years. There was no significant
difference (p>0.05) in all other haematological parameters; though there were variations across the y ears of
exposure (Table V).
Table I: Haematological Parameters of LPG Plant Workers with the controls
Parameters
Control
(n=50)
Subjects
(n=50)
t-value
P-value
Remar
k
MCHC(g/dl)
32.28±2.64
32.55±1.13
4.573
0.000
S
MCH (pg)
28.54±3.13
27.36±1.98
4.215
0.001
S
MCV (fl)
86.46±6.90
84.00±5.38
3.236
0.002
S
WBC(×106/L)
5732.00±1770.21
5732.00±1770.21
2.865
0.006
S
PLT (×106/L)
192.64±65.31
174.58±60.15
2.123
0.039
S
RBC (×109/L)
4.81±0.75
5.20±0.58
4.722
0.000
S
LYM (%)
36.84±6.86
50.34±9.83
9.707
0.000
S
MIX (%)
3.56±2.71
5.72±3.39
4.510
0.000
S
NEU (%)
44.30±7.34
44.28±9.82
0.014
0.989
NS
PCV (%)
42.10±2.69
43.46±2.94
3.268
0.002
S
HB (g/dl)
12.40±1.41
14.08±0.92
12.998
0.000
S
Key: n=Sample Size, S: Significant, NS: Not significant; MCHC= Mean corpuscular haemoglobin
concentration; MCH= Mean corpuscular haemoglobin; Mean corpuscular volume; WBC=White blood
cell; PLT=Platelets; RBC= Red blood cell; LYM=Lymphocytes; MIX=granulocytes; NEU=
Neutrophils; PCV=Packed cell volume; HB=Haemoglobin.
Obodo, B.N. / International Journal of Research Publications (IJRP.ORG)
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5
Table II: Age comparison of haematological Parameters of LPG Plant Workers
Parameters
20-30yrs
(n=25)
31-40yrs
(n=17)
41-50yrs
(n=05)
51-60yrs
(n=03)
F-
value
P-
value
MCHC(g/dl)
32.40±0.99a
32.56±1.39a
33.10±1.17a
32.80±0.36a
0.582
0.630
MCH (pg)
27.15±1.96 a
27.55±2.29a
27.38±1.67a
28.03±0.59 a
0.254
0.858
MCV (fl)
83.43±5.48 a
84.21±5.63a
85.28±6.40 a
85.43±1.00 a
0.256
0.856
WBC(×106/L)
5280.00±1433.24 a
4976.47±1275.01a
5460.00±1425.83a
5100.00±1552.42a
0.237
0.870
PLT(×106/L)
170.32±55.85a
190.53±53.47a
171.80±103.89a
124.33±23.50a
1.152
0.338
RBC(×109/L)
5.08±0.62 a
5.32±0.59a
5.50±0.35a
4.99±0.85 a
1.224
0.312
LYM (%)
52.32±10.15 a
49.71±10.47a
44.40±6.50 a
47.33±4.16 a
1.067
0.372
MIX (%)
6.00±3.64a
5.12±3.50a
5.40±2.61b
7.33±1.53a
0.462
0.710
NEU (%)
42.96±9.00 a
46.18±11.32a
43.80±12.30a
45.33±3.06 a
0.362
0.780
PCV (%)
44.16±2.88 a
43.18±2.43a
41.40±4.83 a
42.67±0.58 a
1.452
0.240
HB (g/dl)
14.36±0.82a
13.93±0.95a
13.30±1.10b
13.97±0.35a
2.330
0.087
Key: Values in a row with a different superscript are significantly different at p<0.05.
P<0.05: Significant, P>0.05: Not significant, n=Sample Size; MCHC= Mean corpuscular haemoglobin
concentration; MCH= Mean corpuscular haemoglobin; Mean corpuscular volume; WBC=White blood
cell; PLT=Platelets; RBC= Red blood cell; LYM=Lymphocytes; MIX=granulocytes; NEU=
Neutrophils; PCV=Packed cell volume; HB=Haemoglobin.
Table III: Comparison of length of exposure with renal profile of LPG Plant Workers
Parameters
1yr
(n=03)
2-3yrs
(n=12)
4-5yrs
(n=15)
5yrs&above
(n=20)
F-value
P-value
Sodium (mmol/l)
151.50±2.12a
145.42±7.06 a
144.00±5.77 a
143.90±4.54 a
1.259
0.300
Potassium
(mmol/l)
4.00±0.28 a
4.18±0.53 a
4.02±0.48 a
3.94±0.38 a
0.682
0.568
Urea (mg/dl)
22.00±8.49 a
28.25±6.36 a
28.80±8.25 a
28.25±7.09 a
0.509
0.678
Creatinine (mg/dl)
0.70±0.01a
0.68±0.17a
0.75±0.20 a
0.71±0.15a
0.414
0.744
Key: Values in a row with a different superscript are significantly different at p<0.05.
n=Sample Size, P<0.05: Significant, P>0.05: Not significant.
Table IV: Comparison of length of exposure with liver profile of LPG Plant Workers
Parameter
s
(U/L)
1yr
(n=03)
2-3yrs
(n=12)
4-5yrs
(n=15)
5yrs&above
(n=20)
F-value
P-value
AST
16.00±0.01a
13.42±5.50a
10.87±3.66a
13.45±3.72a
1.713
1.178
ALT
5.50±0.71 a
8.17±3.74a
6.40±3.64a
5.70±2.87 a
1.460
0.755
ALP
26.50±0.71 a
27.58±7.46a
32.67±8.93 a
30.55±7.10 a
1.132
0.346
GGT
77.15±65.5a
81.71±57.13a
87.65±79.61b
109.68±81.35a
1.132
0.346
Key: Values in a row with a different superscript are significantly different at p<0.05.
n=Sample Size, P<0.05: Significant, P>0.05: Not significant, AST: Aspartate amino transferase, ALT:
Alanine amino transferase, ALP: Alkaline phosphatase, GGT: Gamma glutamyl transferase.
Obodo, B.N. / International Journal of Research Publications (IJRP.ORG)
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Table V: Comparison of length of exposure with haematological profile of LPG Plant Workers
Parameters
1yr
(n=03)
2-3yrs
(n=12)
4-5yrs
(n=15)
5yrs&above
(n=20)
F-
value
P-
value
MCHC(g/dl)
32.05±0.07a
32.37±1.49a
33.16±1.13a
33.01±0.83a
2.012
0.126
MCH (pg)
28.25±1.34a
27.22±2.03a
27.45±2.21a
27.39±1.93 a
0.152
0.928
MCV (fl)
88.25±4.17a
82.72±6.23a
85.17±4.83 a
83.73±5.33 a
0.887
0.455
WBC(×106/L)
3700.00±141.42a
4433.33±856.35a
5713.33±1321.72b
5320.00±1443.90ab
3.265
0.030
PLT(×106/L)
121.50±30.41a
167.42±63.33a
196.87±60.33a
172.50±54.94a
1.328
0.277
RBC(×109/L)
5.00±0.14 a
5.04±0.55a
5.34±0.59a
5.18±0.62a
0.650
0.312
LYM (%)
55.50±4.95 a
50.751±10.85a
48.47±8.72 a
51.45±10.60a
0.434
0. 730
MIX (%)
5.00±7.07a
6.83±3.30a
5.00±2.90b
5.50±3.55a
0.696
0.559
NEU (%)
41.00±4.24 a
46.08±9.17a
39.73±8.17a
46.65±11.08 a
1.717
0.177
PCV (%)
44.50±3.53 a
42.33±2.67a
43.13±3.20 a
44.15±2.85 a
1.093
0.362
HB (g/dl)
14.15±1.06a
13.67±0.87a
14.09±0.78b
14.29±1.02a
1.170
0.332
Key: Values in a row with a different superscript are significantly different at p<0.05.
P<0.05: Significant, P>0.05: Not significant, n=Sample Size. MCHC= Mean corpuscular haemoglobin
concentration; MCH= Mean corpuscular haemoglobin; Mean corpuscular volume; WBC=White blood
cell; PLT=Platelets; RBC= Red blood cell; LYM=Lymphocytes; MIX=granulocytes; NEU=
Neutrophils; PCV=Packed cell volume; HB=Haemoglobin.
DISCUSSION
LPG plant workers are exposed to a number of these hydrocarbons in fuel vapors during dispensing and gases
emanating from vehicle exhausts and as such are susceptible to the risk of exposure to LPG which could lead
to health complications.
The results of this study revealed that the mean values for MCHC, red blood cell count, lymphocytes, MIX
(eosinophils, basophils and monocytes), packed cell volume and haemoglobin were significantly higher in
LPG plant workers, while the mean values of MCH, MCV, white blood cell count and platelet count were
significantly lower. There was no significant difference when the mean values of the neutrophils were
compared with the control. This observation is in line with the work of Sirdah et al., (2013) where a similar trend
of result was obtained. This result also results agree with studies of subjects exposed to natural gas (Saadat
and Bahaoddini, 2014). Other studies where different petroleum products were used also agreed with the
findings of this study (Ukaejiofor, 2016; Ukaejiofor et al., 2016). In this fashion, there are other studies that
have reported the effect of exposure to natural gas on haematological parameters (Saadat and Bahaoddini,
2014). However Sugie, (2014) and Fukunaga, (2015) reported cases of sudden death due to the inhalation of
LPG where the liver and the kidney are the mostly affected organ considering the accumulation of LPG.
Furthermore, the findings showed the mean values of all the haematological parameters varied across the age
group. As the LPG plant workers were separated on the basis of exposure period, it was observed that there
Obodo, B.N. / International Journal of Research Publications (IJRP.ORG)
www.ijrp.org
7
was significant difference in the mean values of white blood cell count (WBC) in LPG plant worker s with 4-5
years and above 5 years of LPG exposure. MCHC, platelet count, and red blood cell count levels were higher
in LPG plant workers with 4-5 years exposure. The MIX (eosinophils, basophils and monocytes) were higher
in LPG plant workers with 2-3 years exposure. MCH, MCV, lymphocytes and packed cell volume were
higher in LPG plant workers with 1 year of exposure. Neutrophils and haemoglobin levels were higher in
LPG plant workers that had 5 years and above exposure. These observations were consistent with the findings
of Ezejiofor et al., (2014).
Also, sodium levels were higher in LPG plant workers with 1 year exposure, followed by 2-3 years, 4-5 years
and 5 years and above. Potassium levels were higher in LPG plant workers with 2-3 years of exposure
followed by 4-5 years, 1 year and 5 years. Serum urea values were higher in LPG plant workers with 4-5
years of exposure while serum creatinine levels were higher also higher within 4-5 years of exposure. The
observations in serum sodium, creatinine, urea and creatinine as regards the variations in the age groups and
years of exposure were consistent with the findings of Ezejiofor et al., (2014).
It was also observed that AST levels were higher in LPG plant workers with 1 year exposure, ALT in 2-3
years of exposure, ALP in 4-5 years of exposure and GGT in 5 years and above. These observations are
consistent with the findings of Ezejiofor et al., (2014). The liver enzymes form the centre core of the major
functional markers of the liver (Mayne, 1998; Balisteri and Shaw, 1999). The variations of the liver enzymes
of the LPG plant workers served as a pointer to the possible deleterious effect of LPG inhalation on the liver.
Damage to the liver by LPG exposure has resulted in the marked increase in enzymes and could result to
circulatory failure with ‘shock’ and hypoxia and myocardial infarction. Also, the significant increase in GGT
level clearly points to the existence of liver dysfunction among LPG plant workers on exposure to LPG (Tate
and Meister, 2005).
Conclusion
This study revealed that there were significant alterations in the haematological parameters among the LPG
plant workers as compared to the controls. There was significant increase in the total white blood cell count of
LPG plant workers exposed between 4-5 years and above 5 years. However, the comparison of length of
exposure revealed that there was no significant alteration in the renal and liver profile of LPG plant workers.
Acknowledgements
Our special thanks to all the authors, who contributed to the success of this research and the presentation of
this manuscript and to St Kenny Consult for creating the enabling environment.
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