Residential proximity to petrol stations and risk of childhood leukemia.

Petrol stations emit benzene and other contaminants that have been associated with an increased risk of childhood leukemia. We carried out a population-based case-control study in two provinces in Northern Italy. We enrolled 182 cases of childhood leukemia diagnosed during 1998-2019 and 726 age- and sex-matched population controls. We geocoded the addresses of child residences and 790 petrol stations located in the study area. We estimated leukemia risk according to distance from petrol stations within a 1000 m buffer and amount of supplied fuel within a buffer of 250 m from the child's residence. We used conditional logistic regression models to approximate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations of interest, adjusted for potential confounders. We also modeled non-linear associations using restricted cubic splines. In secondary analyses, we restricted to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases and stratifed by age (<5 and ≥5 years). Compared with children who lived≥1000 m from a petrol station, the RR was 2.2 (95% CI 0.5-9.4) for children living<50 m from nearest petrol station. Associations were stronger for the ALL subtype (RR=2.9, 95% CI 0.6-13.4) and among older children (age≥5 years: RR=4.4, 95% CI 0.6-34.1; age<5 years: RR=1.6, 95% CI 0.1-19.4). Risk of leukemia was also greater (RR=1.6, 95% CI 0.7-3.3) among the most exposed participants when assigning exposure categories based on petrol stations located within 250 m of the child's residence and total amount of gasoline delivered by the stations. Overall, residence within close proximity to a petrol station, especially one with more intense refueling activity, was associated with an increased risk of childhood leukemia, though associations were imprecise.

Risk Perception amongst Petrol Pump Attendants and Analysis of Indiscriminate Siting of Petrol Stations in Enugu Metropolis.

Proliferation and unregulated siting of petrol stations expose petrol pump attendants to occupational hazards. This study assessed knowledge, risk perception, occupational hazards of petrol pump attendants and site-suitability of petrol stations in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional analytical study of 210 pump attendants from 105 petrol stations spread within the city and highways. A structured pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and a check-list were used to collect data. Analyses were done using descriptive and inferential statistics. Mean age of the respondents was 23.55 ± 5.43 with 65.7% being females, three-quarters (75%) had good knowledge, while 64.3% had poor risk perception of occupational hazards. The commonest hazards reported were fuel inhalation (81.0%) (always) and fuel splashes (81.4%) (sometimes). About half (46.7%) of the respondents used protective equipment. Most of petrol stations had functional fire extinguishers (99.0%) and sand buckets (98.1%) while 36.2% had muster points. Forty percent and 76.2% of petrol stations had inadequate residential and road setbacks respectively with private petrol stations and those on streets leading. Poor risk perception of hazards and indiscriminate siting of the petrol stations exposed petrol pump attendants to hazards. Adequate regulation and enforcement of petrol station operating guidelines with regular safety and health training is necessary.

La prolifération et l'implantation non réglementée des stations-service se poursuivent, exposant les pompistes à des risques professionnels. Cette étude a évalué les connaissances, la perception des risques, les risques professionnels des pompistes et l'adéquation des sites des stations-service dans la métropole d'Enugu, au Nigeria. Il s'agit d'une étude analytique transversale portant sur 210 pompistes de 105 stations-service réparties dans la ville et sur les routes. Un questionnaire structuré, pré-testé, administré par un enquêteur et une liste de contrôle ont été utilisés pour collecter les données. Les analyses ont été effectuées à l'aide de statistiques descriptives et inférentielles. L'âge moyen des personnes interrogées était de 23,55 ± 5,43 ans, 65,7 % étant des femmes, les trois quarts (75 %) avaient une bonne connaissance des risques professionnels, tandis que 64,3 % avaient une mauvaise perception des risques. Les risques les plus fréquemment signalés étaient l'inhalation de carburant (81,0 %) (toujours) et les éclaboussures de carburant (81,4 %) (parfois). Environ la moitié (46,7 %) des personnes interrogées utilisaient des équipements de protection. La plupart des stations-service disposaient d'extincteurs fonctionnels (99,0%), de seaux à sable (98,1%) et 36,2% de points de rassemblement. Quarante pour cent et 76,2 % des stations-service n'avaient pas de marge de recul suffisante par rapport aux habitations et aux routes, les stations-service privées et celles situées dans les rues étant en tête. La mauvaise perception des risques et l'emplacement des stationsservice exposent les pompistes à des dangers. Une réglementation adéquate et l'application des directives d'exploitation des stationsservice, ainsi que des formations régulières en matière de sécurité et de santé, sont nécessaires. Mots clés: Risques professionnels, Pompistes, Stations-service, Adéquation du site.

Benzene health risk assessment for neurological disorders of gas station employees in Rayong Province, Thailand.

Background: The main job of employees working in the area of fuel service stations is to provide refueling services to customers. Therefore, operators at petrol stations may be exposed to chemicals for long periods, potentially affecting their health in nervous system. Objectives: This study aims to assess the risk of benzene exposure to the nervous system in gas station operators. Data were collected from 100 fuel service personnel working at fuel dispensers and 100 employees working outside fuel dispensers, accounting to 200 cases. Material and methods: Data were collected using interview questionnaires. Urine samples were used for the analysis of t,t-muconic acid. Results: The results showed that t,t-muconic acid concentration is 431.23 ± 233.69 µg/g.cr (449.28 ± 213.32 µg/g.cr at fuel dispensers vs 413.18 ± 252.20 µg/g.cr outside fuel dispensers). The risk characterization results showed that most of the risks were at level 1 (low risk), as observed in 108 people (54.0%). The results of the analysis of the relationship between t,t-muconic acid concentrations classified by 3 levels of percentile and neurological disorders of the study group, the results showed that there was a statistically significant relationship (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: Therefore, the benzene neurotoxic risk assessment model could be utilized in field practice.

Petrol prices and obesity.

Using 13 waves of longitudinal data from Australia, we examine the relationship between petrol prices and obesity. Applying panel data models that control for individual fixed effects and the endogeneity of petrol prices, our results suggest that petrol prices have a negative effect on obesity. Specifically, our preferred instrumental variable estimates, which instrument for petrol prices using the Arca Oil Stock price and control for individual and time fixed effects, suggest that a standard deviation increase in petrol prices generates a 0.006 standard deviation decline in body mass index, while a unit increase in petrol prices results in a 2 percentage point decrease in the probability that a survey participant is obese. These results are robust to several sensitivity checks. Back of the envelope calculations suggest that our results imply that a permanent $1 per liter increase in petrol prices would reduce the number of people who were obese by 672,000 and save $1.4 billion dollars in medical expenditure related to obesity every year. We also find that frequency of participation in physical activity and expenditure on meals eaten out are channels through which petrol prices affect obesity.

Relation of blood lead levels and lead in gasoline: an updated systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Millions of tons of lead were added to gasoline worldwide beginning in 1922, and leaded gasoline has been a major source of population lead exposure. In 1960s, lead began to be removed from automotive gasoline. Removal was completed in 2021. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether removal of lead from automotive gasoline is associated with declines in population mean blood lead levels (BPb). METHODS: We examined published studies that reported population blood leaded levels for two or more years, and we calculated average concentrations of lead in gasoline corresponding to the years and locations of the blood lead level measurements. RESULTS: Removal of lead from gasoline is associated with declines in BPb in all countries examined. In some countries, BPb continues to fall after lead has been eliminated from gasoline. Following elimination of lead from gasoline, BPb less than 1 µg/dL have been observed in several European and North American countries, and BPb less than 3 µg/dL have been documented in several studies from South America. DISCUSSION: There remain many countries for which no multi-year studies of populations BPb have been identified, including all of Central America, high population countries including Pakistan and Indonesia, and major lead producers including Australia and Russia. CONCLUSION: Removal of lead from gasoline has been a public health success. Elimination of lead from gasoline has enabled many countries to achieve population mean BPb levels of 1 µg/dL or lower. These actions have saved lives, increased children's intelligence and created great economic benefit in countries worldwide.

Target-Guided Isolation of Progenitors of 1,1,6-Trimethyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalene (TDN) from Riesling Wine by High-Performance Countercurrent Chromatography.

High-performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC) was used for the target-guided isolation of precursors of 1,1,6-trimethyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalene (TDN) from Riesling wine. In separated HPCCC fractions of an Amberlite® XAD®-2 extract obtained from a German Riesling, TDN-generating fractions were identified by the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the progenitors at pH 3.0 and subsequent HS-GC-MS/MS analysis. The presence of multiple TDN-generating precursors in Riesling wine could be confirmed. From polar HPCCC fractions (11-13 and 14-16), 3,4-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydro-ß-ionone 3-O-rutinoside and 3,4-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydro-ß-ionone 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside were isolated as major TDN-precursors at a sufficient amount for structure elucidation by NMR spectroscopic studies. In the medium polar HPCCC factions (27-35), enzymatic hydrolysis liberated the aglycones 3-hydroxy-ß-ionone and 3-hydroxy-TDN in minor amounts. In further less polar TDN-generation fractions (36-44 and 45-50), glycosidic progenitors were absent; instead, a minor TDN formation most likely from non-conjugated constituents was observed.

Biosurfactant production prospects of a Gram-negative bacterium-Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. ozaenae BK34.

Increasing environmental concerns have brought natural surfactant produced by microorganisms into limelight due to their lesser toxicity, biodegradable nature, and retention of activity at extreme conditions. In the present investigation, the surfactant production perspective of capsulated Gram-negative bacilli Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. ozaenae BK34 was explored. It was identified on the basis of PCR amplification of conserved region of 16SrRNA using species specific primers. Highest oil displacement and emulsification (E24) index of 6.8 cm and 20% along with 4.38-fold increase in biomass were attained using olive oil (2% (v/v)) as substrate. Incorporation of urea at 0.5% (w/v) concentration increased the oil displacement, E24 index, and drop diameter to 9.2 cm, 77.50%, and 0.80 cm, respectively, accompanied by 5.38-fold increase in biomass production. Biosurfactant level was recorded maximum at 30 °C as apparent from the oil displacement of 9.3 cm and E24 index of 75%. Reduction in incubation temperature to 25 °C abated oil displacement (5.2 cm) and E24 index (17.66%). Biosurfactant production was also appeared to be pH sensitive as shifting pH from 7.0 to 6.0 or 8.0 reduced the E24 index from 75 to 35% and 25%, respectively. Inoculum of stationary phase bacterial biomass at the proportion of 0.05% (w/v) was found adequate in triggering maximum biosurfactant production while the log phase biomass delayed the production significantly. Acid precipitation method was able to yield 7 g/L biosurfactant at pH 2. The surfactant was allocated to glycolipopeptide class on the basis of FTIR spectroscopy.

A novel spherical fuzzy AHP-VIKOR methodology to determine serving petrol station selection during COVID-19 lockdown: A pilot study for Istanbul.

COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire world. During the Covid-19 pandemic, which is tried to be prevented by all countries of the world, regulations have been made to reduce the effect of the virus in sectors such as banking, tourism, and especially transportation. Social isolation is one of the most critical factors for people who have or are at risk of contracting COVID-19 disease. Many countries have developed different solutions to ensure social isolation. By applying lockdown for specific periods, preventing the movement of people will reduce the rate of transmission. However, some private and public institutions that have to serve during the lockdown period should be carefully determined. In this study, we aim to determine the petrol stations to serve during the COVID-19 lockdown, and this problem is handled as a multi-criteria decision-making problem. We extend the spherical fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija IKompromisno Resenje (SF-VIKOR) method with the spherical fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (SF-AHP). To show its applicability in complex decision-making problems, Istanbul is selected to perform a case study; thirteen petrol stations are evaluated as potential serving petrol station alternatives during the lockdown. Then, the novel SF-AHP integrated SF-VIKOR methodology is structured; the problem is solved with this methodology, and the best alternative is determined to serve in lockdown. Accessibility of the petrol station and Measures taken by station managers are determined to be essential for the effectiveness of the lockdown process. The neighborhood population and the station's proximity to hospitals are also critical inner factors to fight the pandemic. To test the methodology, Spherical Fuzzy the Weighted Aggregated Sum-Product Assessment (SF-WASPAS) is utilized. Public or private organizations can use the proposed methodology to improve their strategies and operations to prevent the spreading of COVID-19.

Microbiological Study in Petrol-Spiked Soil.

The pollution of arable lands and water with petroleum-derived products is still a valid problem, mainly due the extensive works aimed to improve their production technology to reduce fuel consumption and protect engines. An example of the upgraded fuels is the BP 98 unleaded petrol with Active technology. A pot experiment was carried out in which Eutric Cambisol soil was polluted with petrol to determine its effect on the microbiological and biochemical properties of this soil. Analyses were carried out to determine soil microbiome composition-with the incubation and metagenomic methods, the activity of seven enzymes, and cocksfoot effect on hydrocarbon degradation. The following indices were determined: colony development index (CD); ecophysiological diversity index (EP); index of cocksfoot effect on soil microorganisms and enzymes (IFG); index of petrol effect on soil microorganisms and enzymes (IFP); index of the resistance of microorganisms, enzymes, and cocksfoot to soil pollution with petrol (RS); Shannon-Weaver's index of bacterial taxa diversity (H); and Shannon-Weaver's index of hydrocarbon degradation (IDH). The soil pollution with petrol was found to increase population numbers of bacteria and fungi, and Protebacteria phylum abundance as well as to decrease the abundance of Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria phyla. The cultivation of cocksfoot on the petrol-polluted soil had an especially beneficial effect mainly on the bacteria belonging to the Ramlibacter, Pseudoxanthomonas, Mycoplana, and Sphingobium genera. The least susceptible to the soil pollution with petrol and cocksfoot cultivation were the bacteria of the following genera: Kaistobacter, Rhodoplanes, Bacillus, Streptomyces, Paenibacillus, Phenylobacterium, and Terracoccus. Cocksfoot proved effective in the phytoremediation of petrol-polluted soil, as it accelerated hydrocarbon degradation and increased the genetic diversity of bacteria. It additionally enhanced the activities of soil enzymes.

Assessment of hematological parameters of petrol filling workers at petrol stations in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Petrol is the non-specific term for petroleum which is used for inside combustion of engines. Petrol filling workers are highly vulnerable to occupational exposure to these harmful substances which lead to hemato-toxicity and blood disorders such as leukemia, aplastic anemia, and dysplastic bone marrow. Thus, this study was aimed to assess hematological parameters of petrol filling workers in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2019 in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 110 study participants comprising 55 study groups and 55 controls group were recruited by a convenient sampling technique. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and 3 ml of venous blood was collected for the determination of hematological parameters. The data were entered into Epi info 7.2.0.1 and analyzed by SPSS version of 20. Mean, standard deviation, median, and interquartile ranges were used to present the data. Independent t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the mean or median difference between parametric and non-parametric hematological parameters, respectively. Moreover, Pearson product-moment and Spearman's rank-order bivariable correlations analyses were used to describe the correlation between hematological parameters and duration of exposure to petrol. A P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study revealed that mean red blood cell count and hemoglobin level as well as the median hematocrit, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, absolute lymphocytes count, and red cell distribution width values of petrol filling workers showed a significant increment compared with the control group. On the other hand, the mean cell hemoglobin value of petrol filling workers showed a significant decrement compared with healthy controls. Moreover, the duration of exposure to petrol showed a significant positive correlation with red blood cell count and mean cell hemoglobin concentration; however, a significant negative correlation was observed with mean cell volume. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the majority of hematological parameters of petrol filling workers showed an increment compared with healthy controls which might be associated with exposure to petrol chemicals. However, further longitudinal study with a larger sample size should be conducted to explore the impact of petrol exposure on hematopoiesis.

Exploring chainsaw operator occupational exposure to carbon monoxide in forestry.

Exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) emitted by chainsaws can negatively impact health in forestry workers. This exploratory study measures CO concentration within the breathing zone of chainsaw operators during motor-manual operations, and discusses the potential influences on CO exposure levels. A CO monitoring instrument was paired with a concurrent video recording of task activities to enable correlation of exact working operations to critical exposure levels. Multiple streams of meteorological data were also collected from sensors worn by the eight professional tree fellers/log makers. Time-weighted averages were applied to investigate levels of CO exposure during a nominal 1-hr monitoring period. The differing task demands and environment were found to influence worker exposure to CO, supporting previous research. Pending further investigation, a number of possible actions are recommended to reduce observed high exposure levels and/or emission concentration.

Exposure to BTEX and Ethers in Petrol Station Attendants and Proposal of Biological Exposure Equivalents for Urinary Benzene and MTBE.

OBJECTIVE: To assess exposure to benzene (BEN) and other aromatic compounds (toluene, ethylbenzene, m+p-xylene, o-xylene) (BTEX), methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), and ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) in petrol station workers using air sampling and biological monitoring and to propose biological equivalents to occupational limit values. METHODS: Eighty-nine petrol station workers and 90 control subjects were investigated. Personal exposure to airborne BTEX and ethers was assessed during a mid-week shift; urine samples were collected at the beginning of the work week, prior to and at the end of air sampling. RESULTS: Petrol station workers had median airborne exposures to benzene and MTBE of 59 and 408 µg m(-3), respectively, with urinary benzene (BEN-U) and MTBE (MTBE-U) of 339 and 780 ng l(-1), respectively. Concentrations in petrol station workers were higher than in control subjects. There were significant positive correlations between airborne exposure and the corresponding biological marker, with Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) values of 0.437 and 0.865 for benzene and MTBE, respectively. There was also a strong correlation between airborne benzene and urinary MTBE (r = 0.835). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the urinary levels of benzene were influenced by personal airborne exposure, urinary creatinine, and tobacco smoking [determination coefficient (R(2)) 0.572], while MTBE-U was influenced only by personal exposure (R(2) = 0.741). CONCLUSIONS: BEN-U and MTBE-U are sensitive and specific biomarkers of low occupational exposures. We propose using BEN-U as biomarker of exposure to benzene in nonsmokers and suggest 1457 ng l(-1) in end shift urine samples as biological exposure equivalent to the EU occupational limit value of 1 p.p.m.; for both smokers and nonsmokers, MTBE-U may be proposed as a surrogate biomarker of benzene exposure, with a biological exposure equivalent of 22 µg l(-1) in end shift samples. For MTBE exposure, we suggest the use of MTBE-U with a biological exposure equivalent of 22 µg l(-1) corresponding to the occupational limit value of 50 p.p.m.

Petrol exposure and DNA integrity of peripheral lymphocytes.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of petrol exposure on DNA integrity in peripheral blood lymphocytes among petrol attendants and a non-exposed comparison population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 101 fuel station employees and 50 office-based non-exposed workers in Durban, South Africa. Participants were interviewed using a validated questionnaire. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral lymphocytes for the benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE)-DNA adduct assay (ELISA), and DNA damage was determined using the comet assay and reported as percentage tail DNA. RESULTS: The exposed (n = 101) and non-exposed participants (n = 50) varied with regard to age, housing, smoking, and proximity to industry and petrol stations. Among the exposed, the mean duration of employment in the fuel industry was 5.8 years (SD = 4.6), and among those pumping fuel (n = 75), the mean metric tons of petrol pumped in the past 12 months per worker was 199.2 (SD = 88.9). The mean percentage tail DNA varied significantly between exposed and non-exposed groups: 23.8 % (SD = 13.3) and 8.1 % (SD = 1.8) (p < 0.01), respectively. A significant difference existed between the groups for BPDE-DNA adducts: 30.0 ng/ml (SD = 12.7) and 18.1 ng/ml (SD = 18.2) (p < 0.0001), respectively. Regression models, adjusting for cigarette smoking, age, and sex, showed a 16.5 greater percentage tail DNA among the exposed compared to non-exposed (95 % CI 11.8-21.1 %), while the exposed group had a 12.9 ng/ml greater increase in BPDE-DNA adducts has compared to the unexposed (95 % CI 7.2-18.7 ng/ml). Cigarette smoking resulted in almost a 3.5 % increase in percentage tail DNA. CONCLUSION: Our study adds to the literature that long-term, low-dose exposure to vehicular fuels is likely to result in altered DNA integrity and genotoxicity among petrol attendants. These results strengthen the case that these workers must be afforded appropriate protection to prevent serious adverse outcomes.

Health and carcinogenic risk evaluation for cohorts exposed to PAHs in petrochemical workplaces in Rawalpindi city (Pakistan).

This study presents the analyses of urinary biomarkers (1-OHPyr, α- and ß-naphthols) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure and biomarkers of effect (i.e. blood parameters) in petroleum-refinery workers (RFs) and auto-repair workers (MCs). Exposed subjects had higher concentrations of white blood cell (WBC) count than control subjects (CN) subjects (5.31 × 10(3) µL(-1) in exposed vs. 5.15 × 10(3) µL(-1) in CN subjects), while the biomarker of oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG) was significantly higher in MCs. The exposure among these two cohorts could be influenced by the ambience of the workplaces; in fact, MCs' shops are relatively damp and enclosed workplaces in comparison with the indoor environment of refineries. PAHs in the dust samples from mechanical workshops probably originated from mixed sources (traffic exhaust and petroleum spills), while the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for MCs showed moderate-to-low cancer risk from exposure to dust-bound PAHs. The study shows that increasing PAH exposure can be traced in MC workstations and needs to be investigated for the safety of public health.

The ignitability of petrol vapours and potential for vapour phase explosion by use of TASER® law enforcement electronic control device.

An experimental study was made of the potential of the TASER-X26™ law enforcement electronic control device to ignite petrol vapours if used by an officer to incapacitate a person soaked in petrol, or within a flammable atmosphere containing petrol vapour. Bench scale tests have shown that a wooden mannequin with pig skin covering the chest was a suitable representation of a human target. Full scale tests using the mannequin have shown that the arc from a TASER-X26™ is capable of igniting petrol/air vapours on a petrol-soaked person. Further tests in a 1/5 scale and a full scale compartment have shown that if a TASER is used within a compartment, a petrol vapour explosion (deflagration) may be achieved. It is evident from this research that if used in a flammable vapour rich environment, the device could prove fatal not only to the target but the TASER® operator as well.

Individualization of petrol sources by high field nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

In the forensic science context petrol is considered the most common fire accelerant. However, the identification and classification of petrol sources through the years has been proven to be a challenge in the investigation of fire related incidents. This research explored the possibility of identification and classification of petrol sources using high field NMR spectroscopy. In this study, 1H NMR profiling, using specific pulse sequences to analyse neat aliquot petrol samples of different brands collected at different times across the UK and Ireland is shown, for the first time, to provide a diagnostic 'fingerprint' with specific chemical compounds that can be used for identification and classification of petrol samples. This enables linkage of unknown petrol samples to a source and in addition provides a tool which allows exclusion of potential petrol sources. A new, innovative method using 1H selTOCSY is described for the individualization and classification of petrol samples through the identification of olefinic markers in the samples. Those markers were identified as (i) 3-methyl-1-butene, (ii) a mixture of 1-pentene and 3-methyl-1-butene, (iii) 2-methyl-2-butene and (iv) a mixture of cis and trans-2-pentene.

Mineral and Organic Materials as Factors Reducing the Effect of Petrol on Heavy Metal Content in Soil.

As industrial production increases worldwide, so does the demand for fuels. The transport of fuels from the point of production to the end user poses a risk of environmental pollution, both during transport and during combustion in internal combustion engines. The soil is a part of the environment which is particularly sensitive to contamination by petroleum substances. For this reason, research has been carried out into the possibility of reducing the impact of petrol on the content of heavy metals in the soil using various materials, both mineral (bentonite, calcium oxide) and organic (compost). These played an important role in the in situ remediation of contaminated soils. Petrol contamination increased the content of some heavy metals (Pb, Cd, or Ni), while it decreased the content of other metals (Cr, Zn, Co, and Cu) in the soil. The materials used in this study significantly altered the levels of heavy metals in the soil. The strength of the effect varied and the direction of the effect depended on the element. Bentonite was the most effective, while calcium oxide and especially compost were less effective. The most beneficial (limiting) effect of calcium oxide was shown on the soil content of cadmium, cobalt, and chromium, while the bentonite effects were on the content of chromium. The application of the abovementioned materials seems to be effective in reducing low level soil contamination by petrol.

Adverse effects of exposure to petrol-generator exhaust fumes on the reproductive hormones, testis and spermatozoa in male dogs.

There is evidence that sperm count has progressively declined in men over the recent decades. Exposure to air pollutants including petrol and diesel exhaust have been reported to impair male reproduction although there is little experimental evidence. This study investigated the effects of petrol-generator exhaust fumes (PGEF) on semen, sperm, gonadal structure and hormonal status in the dog. Sixteen adult male Basenji dogs were randomly assigned four to each of 4 groups as follows: an unexposed (Control) group and three groups exposed to graded levels of PGEF for 1, 2 or 3 h per day (hpd), respectively, for 90 days. Serum concentrations of testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured on days 0 (baseline), 30, 60 and 90 of the study. At day 90, semen samples were collected for semen and sperm analysis. Testicular and epididymal tissues were subjected to gross, histopathological and histomorphometric evaluation. Graded exposure to PGEF resulted in increased serum concentration of T and decreased concentrations of FSH and LH, increased seminal plasma lipid peroxidation, seminiferous and epididymal tubular degeneration, germ cell depletion, lowered sperm concentration, decreased sperm motility and vitality, and increased sperm abnormal morphology. The close proximity between dogs and humans in exposed environments underscores the importance of these findings to human reproductive health and fertility. The findings suggest that with prolonged exposure, the impairment of reproductive functions will likely play significant roles in the decline in male fertility.

Qualitative assessment of regular and premium gasoline available in Bangladesh markets.

Assessing the quality of fuel is essential to comprehend its impact on the environment and human health. In this study, the evaluation of fuel quality standards at the consumer level was conducted by analyzing the motor fuels in Khulna, Bangladesh. A total of 32 samples of petrol (regular gasoline), and octane (premium gasoline) were collected from the fuel stations in the Khulna City Corporation area and analyzed with an FTIR-Fuel Analyzer. Fuel properties, such as research octane number (RON), motor octane number (MON), ethanol content, olefins content, and oxygen content were analyzed. For petrol, the average RON, MON, olefins, and oxygen content were 95.34, 85.70, 8.23 %v/v, and 0.78 %m/m, respectively, and for octane, they were 96.96, 85.39, 1.25 %v/v, and 0.09 %m/m, respectively. Almost all of these parameters complied with both Bangladesh standard and Euro 5 fuel specifications, and those that did not comply were very close to their standard values. However, benzene concentration, which was not specified in Bangladesh Standard, was the most alarming metric for octane since none of the samples matched the Euro 5 fuel specifications of the maximum concentration of 1 %v/v benzene; on average it was 3.70 %v/v. Although petrol benzene content (average 1.50 %v/v) was not as bad as it was for octane, it was still nowhere near good enough, with only 25% of the samples within the recommended level among the studied sample. This information holds significance in establishing the fuel profile and facilitating the identification of distinct samples linked to adulteration. Therefore, the analysis of motor fuel qualities is essential for maintaining the environment, human health, and the economy of a country.

Blood lead concentrations in exposed forecourt attendants and taxi drivers in parts of South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Leaded fuel was banned in South Africa in 2006, in order to improve human health and reduce environmental pollution. Lead (Pb) has been suggested to contribute to the development of neurodegenerative disorders, and the role of respiratory exposure to Pb from petrol fumes should not be neglected in this context. In addition to Pb, petrol contains various harmful chemicals including other neurotoxic metals and hydrocarbons. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: Here, we investigated concentrations of Pb and other metals in blood from petrol station forecourt attendants (n = 38), taxi drivers (n = 21), and unexposed controls (n = 36). Taxi drivers and forecourt attendants were divided into three groups each, based on number of years worked. A questionnaire was designed to investigate the health status of the participants. Blood samples were collected by medical professionals and analyzed for metal concentrations by ICP-MS. RESULTS: A positive correlation between number of years worked and Pb blood concentrations was found. The highest Pb concentration (60.2 µg/L) was observed in a forecourt attendant who had worked 11-20 years, and the average Pb concentration in this group (24.5 µg/L) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in forecourt attendants who had worked 2-5 years (10.4 µg/L). Some individuals had elevated concentrations of manganese, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and cobalt, yet not significantly elevated at the group level. The blood levels of arsenic appeared to be related to smoking. Mood swings, dizziness, headaches and tiredness were reported by the workers. CONCLUSION: Blood Pb concentrations in petrol station forecourt attendants and taxi drivers exposed to leaded petrol are elevated and correlate to exposure time. A health monitoring program should be erected for all individuals working in these industries, and preventive measures should be implemented to eliminate metal exposure from petrol.