Influence of Exposure to Counterfeit Petrol on the Mucosal Condition, Hematological and Lipid Profile of Vendors in Benin

Abstract

Introduction: The sale of counterfeit petrol is a nationwide phenomenon, perpetrated by individuals who do not utilize any form of protective equipment. The conditions under which this product is sold have the potential to result in adverse health consequences for the sellers.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effects of its exposure on the mucous membranes, hematological parameters, and lipid parameters of the sellers.

Methods: The mucous membranes of 80 vendors and 80 consumers were examined, and their blood was analyzed. The data were collected to examine the exposure effect and the age of the vendors on hematological parameters.

Results: It was found that the proportion of sellers (78.3%) with abnormal mucosa was higher (p<0.01) than that of consumers (60%). The observed lesions were bighorn, inflammatory mucosa, congestive mucosa, irregular and pale horns. These lesions were more frequent in the sellers, but the difference was not substantial for most abnormalities. The proportion of vendors with nasal cavity abnormalities (38.2%) was higher (p<0.05) than that of consumers (17.9%). The proportion of vendors with a higher-than-average red blood cell count was significantly lower (p<0.05) than consumers. Sellers had lower hemoglobin and hematocrit than consumers (p<0.001). The proportion of vendors with microcytosis was significantly higher (p<0.01) than consumers. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL-cholesterol levels were not affected by the exposure to counterfeit petrol. On the other hand, the proportion of vendors with an LDL-cholesterol value above the average value was significantly higher (p<0.05) than consumers. It was shown that age had a meaningless influence on the consequences of petrol exposure on mucous membranes, hematological and lipid parameters. However, hematological parameters (white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin) were less standard in the 20–30-year-old sellers than in the 20–30-year-old consumers. The sellers, whose age intervals were between 20 and 30 years old, showed more anemia, microcytosis, cytopenia, and thrombocytopenia than the consumers.

Conclusions: Overall, exposure to petrol negatively influences the hematological and lipid profiles of 30-year-old soldiers, especially those aged between 20 and 30 years.