Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Levels in Blood of Refinery Workers in Nigeria

Background
Petrol (gasoline) is composed of aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons which release carcinogenic and dangerous refinery fumes, when combusted in plants and thus health hazards. Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in the serum of refinery workers (men) in Oil zone plants in Nigeria were therefore analyzed.
Purpose of the study
The study intended to find out the levels of PAH in Oil zone plant workers, with 10-27 years of exposure. This will enable us to know the exposure rate and advice the workers appropriately.
Method
Gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector (FID) was used. The men had worked for 8 hrs per day and 5 days per week, for 10-13, 14-19 and 20-27 years for groups A, B and C respectively. The Control group (D) comprised of 10 office workers (non-smokers) who had worked for 10-27 years.
Results
The levels of PAH (with only acenaphthene and acenaphthylene) in gasoline sample were 66.74701±0.03355 ppm/ml. PAH in the blood of workers in groups A-D were below detection limit (BDL).
Conclusion
The nature and the levels of PAH and TPH found in gasoline sample and blood of the refinery workers seem not to be deleterious to health but continuous exposure of humans to these hydrocarbons may have a long term effect.