Assessment of renal and liver profile among liquefied petroleum gas plant workers

Background: Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has been used extensively for heating, cooking and as a fuel in vehicles and generators. This study was designed to evaluate renal and liver profile of LPG plant workers in Benin City, Edo State. Methods: A total of one hundred (100) subjects between 20-60 years were recruited for this study which consist 50 liquefied gas plant workers and 50 subjects who do not work in LPG plant stations (controls). Blood samples (10ml) were collected from the cubital vein of each subject with the aid of syringe and needle into plain plastic containers. The renal and biochemical parameter were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Results: The results obtained in this study show that sodium and creatinine levels of liquefied petroleum gas plant workers were significantly higher (p<0.05) when compared with the respective controls. There was no significant difference when the serum levels of potassium and urea were compared with the respective controls. There was significant difference (p<0.05) when AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT values were compared with their control. The creatinine levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) within the age group 41-50 years and 51-60 years. There was no significant difference (p<0.05) in the sodium, potassium and urea levels in the various age groups. There was no significant difference when AST, ALT, ALP and GGT were compared within the various age groups. Conclusion: The results of this study however showed that exposure to LPG resulted in significant renal and liver profile alterations.