Effect of occupational exposure to petrol and gasoline components on liver and renal biochemical parameters among gas station attendants, a review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Kidney and liver are of the most affected organs during permanent exposure to petrol and gasoline components in gas stations. This study aims to investigate the renal and liver involvements in these workers using meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Science direct, ISI web of science, and Google scholar motor engine were searched using Mesh terms of the relevant keywords. Screening of titles, abstracts and full texts was continued until the eligible articles meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria were selected. Quality assessment was conducted using NOS (Newcastle-Ottawa Quality score). The pooled standard mean difference of the renal and liver indices between exposed/unexposed groups was estimated using Stata ver. 11 software. RESULTS: In this systematic review, 22 papers were entered. The pooled standard mean difference (95% confidence interval) between exposed and unexposed groups was estimated as of 0.74 (0.28, 1.21) for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 2.44 (1.80, 3.08) for aspartate transaminase (AST), 2.06 (1.42, 2.69) for alanine transaminase (ALT), 0.10 (-0.09, 0.29) for total Bilirubin (TB), 0.74 (-0.42, -1.90) for total protein (TP), -0.49 (-0.82, -0.15) for albumin, 0.88 (-0.10, 1.87) for uric acid, 1.02 (0.45, 1.59) for creatinine and 1.44 (0.75, 2.13) for blood urea nitrogen (BUN). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis showed that the serum AST, ALT, ALP, total protein, total bilirubin, BUN, uric acid and creatinine levels were higher among workers exposed to petrol and gasoline than control group, while albumin was lower in the serum of the exposed workers. Therefore, occupational exposure to gasoline stations can create adverse effects on kidney and liver function.

Omega 3 Supplementation Can Regulate Inflammatory States in Gas Station Workers: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Environmental exposure to diesel particulate matter and commercial gasoline in gas station workers might induce oxidative stress and changes in the balance of the immune system. In this study, the immunomodulatory impacts of omega 3 fatty acid (ω3FA) supplement were assessed on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in gas station workers in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Fifty-three men working in gas stations were treated with ω3FA (n = 29) or placebo (n = 24) for 60 days. C-reactive protein, interleukin-12 (IL-12), transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), interferon γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor α, IL-10, and IL-17 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method before and after the completion of the trial. The concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-17 were significantly decreased in ω3FA group compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). Moreover, the levels of inhibitory cytokines including TGF-ß and IL-10 significantly were increased in ω3FA group (P < 0.001). Overall, ω3FA nutritional supplementation can be useful in reducing inflammatory immune responses and maintaining immune tolerance in people with high exposure to inflammation-inducing factors. [Figure: see text].

Sustainable remediation of diesel-contaminated soil by low temperature thermal treatment: Improved energy efficiency and soil reusability.

Thermal treatment can effectively remediate diesel-contaminated soil, but is considered unsustainable because of its energy-intensive nature and potential to damage soil properties. Here, we used low temperature thermal treatment (LTTT) as an energy-efficient technique to remediate diesel-contaminated soil. The impacts of LTTT on the physiochemical and ecological properties of soils were investigated to evaluate the reusability of heated soil. Heating at 250 °C for 10 min reduced the concentration of the total petroleum hydrocarbons from 6271 mg/kg to 359  mg/kg, which is lower than the Chinese risk screening level of 826 mg/kg. After LTTT, most soil physiochemical properties were nearly unchanged, and the NO3--N and NH4+-N contents increased. Moreover, LTTT-remediated soil was favorable for the germination and early growth of wheat. The microbial community changed substantially, but recovered after being mixed with uncontaminated soil. Finally, exploration of the mechanisms of LTTT revealed that pyrolysis was the dominant mechanism of diesel removal. A biochar-like pyrolytic carbon was formed, which improved the soil reusability.

Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) for the security of the supply chain system of the gas station in China.

With the popularity of automobiles, gas stations carry more gas supply and security risks. In order to effectively analyze the security of the supply chain system of the gas station, this study set the gas station as the center, then the upstream suppliers and downstream consumers were classified into three sub-systems, and the whole system was analyzed by using the method of failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA). A total of 50 typical cases of accidents at gas stations in China in the past 20 years have been collected from different websites, uses entropy weight method to deal with the cause of system failure modes, obtains and sorts the risk priority number (RPN). The type and failure cause of the most frequent accidents is the static electricity-induced explosion, and the effective measures to alleviate and deal with the accidents are put forward. The results of the study will help management and gas station staffs reasonably prevent gas station safety risks.

FTIR analysis of surface functionalities on particulate matter produced by off-road diesel engines operating on diesel and biofuel.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is applied as a powerful analytic technique for the evaluation of the chemical composition of combustion aerosols emitted by off-road engines fuelled by diesel and biofuels. Particles produced by burning diesel, heated rapeseed oil (RO), RO with ethylhexylnitrate, and heated palm oil were sampled from exhausts of representative in-use diesel engines. Multicomponent composition of diesel and biofuel particles reveal the chemistry related to a variety of functional groups containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen. The most intensive functionalities of diesel particles are saturated C-C-H and unsaturated C=C-H aliphatic groups in alkanes and alkenes, aromatic C=C and C=C-H groups in polyaromatics, as well as sulfates and nitrated ions. The distinguished features of biofuel particles were carbonyl C=O groups in carboxylic acids, ketones, aldehydes, esters, and lactones. NO2, C-N and -NH groups in nitrocompounds and amines are found to dominate biofuel particles. Group identification is confirmed by complementary measurements of organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon, and water-soluble ion species. The relationship between infrared bands of polar oxygenated and non-polar aliphatic functionalities indicates the higher extent of the surface oxidation of biofuel particles. Findings provide functional markers of organic surface structure of off-road diesel emission, allowing for a better evaluation of relation between engine, fuel, operation condition, and particle composition, thus improving the quantification of environmental impacts of alternative energy source emissions.

Abnormalities in the male reproductive system after exposure to diesel and biodiesel blend.

Altering the fuel source from petroleum-based ultralow sulfur diesel to biodiesel and its blends is considered by many to be a sustainable choice for controlling exposures to particulate material. As the exhaust of biodiesel/diesel blends is composed of a combination of combustion products of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and fatty acid methyl esters, we hypothesize that 50% biodiesel/diesel blend (BD50) exposure could induce harmful outcomes because of its ability to trigger oxidative damage. Here, adverse effects were compared in murine male reproductive organs after pharyngeal aspiration with particles generated by engine fueled with BD50 or neat petroleum diesel (D100). When compared with D100, exposure to BD50 significantly altered sperm integrity, including concentration, motility, and morphological abnormalities, as well as increasing testosterone levels in testes during the time course postexposure. Serum level of luteinizing hormone was significantly depleted only after BD50 exposure. Moreover, we observed that exposure to BD50 significantly increased sperm DNA fragmentation and the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines in the serum and testes on Day 7 postexposure when compared with D100. Histological evaluation of testes sections from BD50 exposure indicated more noticeable interstitial edema, degenerating spermatocytes, and dystrophic seminiferous tubules with arrested spermatogenesis. Significant differences in the level of oxidative stress assessed by accumulation of lipid peroxidation products and depletion of glutathione were detected on exposure to respirable BD50 and D100. Taken together, these results indicate that exposure of mice to inhalable BD50 caused more pronounced adverse effects on male reproductive function than diesel.

Gasoline toxicology: overview of regulatory and product stewardship programs.

Significant efforts have been made to characterize the toxicological properties of gasoline. There have been both mandatory and voluntary toxicology testing programs to generate hazard characterization data for gasoline, the refinery process streams used to blend gasoline, and individual chemical constituents found in gasoline. The Clean Air Act (CAA) (Clean Air Act, 2012: § 7401, et seq.) is the primary tool for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate gasoline and this supplement presents the results of the Section 211(b) Alternative Tier 2 studies required for CAA Fuel and Fuel Additive registration. Gasoline blending streams have also been evaluated by EPA under the voluntary High Production Volume (HPV) Challenge Program through which the petroleum industry provide data on over 80 refinery streams used in gasoline. Product stewardship efforts by companies and associations such as the American Petroleum Institute (API), Conservation of Clean Air and Water Europe (CONCAWE), and the Petroleum Product Stewardship Council (PPSC) have contributed a significant amount of hazard characterization data on gasoline and related substances. The hazard of gasoline and anticipated exposure to gasoline vapor has been well characterized for risk assessment purposes.

Bioelement status with oral administration of fish oil methyl ester and diesel fuel in male rats.

This paper is a study on the effects on the amounts of trace elements in case of possible repeat accidental or environmental exposure with fish oil biodiesel. For this purpose, 35 male Wistar albino rats were used in the study. Rats were divided into five groups. The first group was determined as the control group. The rats in this group were gavaged orally with 250 mg/kg sunflower oil. The rats in the second and third groups were administered by oral gavage of 250 mg/kg (D1) and 500 mg/kg (D2) diesel fuel mixed with equal amounts of sunflower oil, respectively. The rats in the fourth group were administered by oral gavage of 250 mg/kg fish oil biodiesel (F1) and the rats in the fifth group were administered by oral gavage of 500 mg/kg fish oil biodiesel (F2), both mixed with equal amounts of sunflower oil. At the end of the study, bioelement concentrations in the serum and the kidney, lung, and liver tissues were measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. It was observed that serum Ca, Mg, and Sr concentrations were significantly (p<0.001) higher and Cu concentration was significantly (p<0.01) higher in the control group than in the biodiesel groups. Kidney Mg concentration was significantly (p<0.01) lower in the control group than in the diesel groups. Kidney Mg concentration was significantly (p<0.001) lower in the D2 group than in the F2 group. Kidney Mg concentration was significantly (p<0.01) lower in the control group than in the diesel groups. Lung Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Na, and Zn concentrations were different significantly higher in the control group than in the other groups. Liver Al concentration was different significantly higher in the control group than in the other groups. Liver Ca concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the control group than in the biodiesel groups. Serum and lung tissue bioelements concentrations were lower in diesel and biodiesel groups than in control group. Due to consumption for biochemical reaction of these elements, bioelements concentration could be low in diesel and biodiesel groups. Some trace elements concentrations in the kidney and liver were very high in the diesel groups. High concentration of these elements in the diesel groups might cause toxic effects. Fish oil biodiesel could be chosen as an alternative fuel instead of diesel fuel.

Porphyrin metabolism in lymphocytes of miners exposed to diesel exhaust at oil shale mine.

The present study was carried out on the evaluation and application of new biomarkers for populations exposed to occupational diesel exhaust at oil shale mines. Since not only genotoxic effects may play an important role in the generation of tumors, the level of porphyrin metabolism was proposed as a biomarker of diesel exhaust exposure effects. The data on determination of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthesis and heme formation in lymphocytes from groups of 50 miners exposed to diesel exhaust and 50 unexposed surface workers of oil shale mine are presented. All workers were examined and interviewed using structured questionnaires. The levels of benzene, carbon monoxide and nitric oxides in air as well as concentrations of 1-nitropyrene and elemental carbon in particulate matter were used for evaluation of exposure to diesel exhaust in mine. The levels of ALA and protoporphyrin (PP), activities of ALA synthetase (ALA-S) and ferrochelatase (FC), as well as levels of PP associated with DNA (PP/DNA) were investigated in lymphocytes spectrophotometrically. Significant differences in activity of ALA synthesis and heme formation between exposed miners and surface workers were found (207+/-23 vs. 166+/-14 pmol/10(6) lymp./30' for ALA-S and 46.1+/-3.8 vs. 54.8+/-4.1 pmol/10(6) lymp./60' for FC activities, respectively, P<0.001). ALA-S activity was higher and ALA accumulated in lymphocytes of exposed miners. Inhibition of FC activity caused PP cellular accumulation and an increase in the PP/DNA level (P<0.05). Tobacco smoking led to the increase of ALA biosynthesis in lymphocytes of both surface and underground smokers. The comparison of data obtained for non-smokers and smokers of both groups of workers has shown a significant difference (P<0.05). The work duration of underground or surface workers did not significantly influence the investigated biochemical parameters. The determination of ALA synthesis in lymphocytes could be a useful biomonitoring index of organism sensitivity to underground working. The alterations of PP levels, FC activity and PP/DNA association in peripheral lymphocytes of miners illustrate the harmful effects of exposure to diesel exhaust.

Marine iguanas die from trace oil pollution.

An oil tanker ran aground on the Galapagos island of San Cristóbal on 17 January 2001, spilling roughly three million litres of diesel and bunker oil. The slick started to spread westwards and was dispersed by strong currents, so only a few marine animals were killed immediately as a result. Here we draw on the long-term data sets gathered before the spill to show that a population of marine iguanas (Amblyrhychus cristatus) on Sante Fe island suffered a massive 62% mortality in the year after the accident, due to a small amount of residual oil contamination in the sea. Another population on the more remote island of Genovesa was unaffected.

Effects of multiple exposures of small doses of Pembina Cardium crude oil and diesel in rats.

In lands used for agricultural purposes, petroleum- or diesel-contaminated wastes and accidental spills of crude oil at some drilling sites pose exposure risks for occupational public, livestock, and wildlife. This study has assessed the effects of an Alberta crude oil, Pembina Cardium crude oil (PCCO), and a commercial diesel fuel #2 (CDF-2) in Sprague-Dawley rats after repeated exposures at small dose levels. Rats were given by gavage on day 1, 3, 5, and 8 specified dosages of either the control vehicle, methylcellulose (MC) (1.25 ml/kg), or PCCO (0.25-1.25 ml/kg), or CDF-2 (1.25 ml/kg). Exposure of rats to these dose levels of the test substances caused no overt symptoms of intoxication. A small but statistically significant increase in liver somatic index was observed in rats exposed to 1.25 ml/kg doses of PCCO and CDF-2; however, kidney somatic index was not significantly affected by these treatments. Blood analyses for hematological and clinical indicators of systemic impairments did not show any significant changes (p > 0.05) between the control and PCCO- or CDF-2-exposed rats. Biochemical assessment of liver and kidney tissues showed that compared to the control group, the PCCO- and CDF-2-exposed groups had a marked and significant increase (p < 0.05) in the hepatic activity of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD, a cytochrome P-450 [CYP] 1A1/A2-linked enzyme). In PCCO-exposed rats, the induction of EROD was dose-dependent. Exposure of rats with PCCO and CDF-2 also caused dose-related increases from the unexposed (control) or MC dosed rats in (1) hepatic activities of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH, a CYP 1A1-linked enzyme), ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase (ECOD, a CYP 2B/1A-linked enzyme), glutathione transferase (GT), and NADPH-catalyzed microsomal lipid peroxidation; and (ii) ECOD activity in kidneys. The induction of hepatic CYP-linked enzymatic activities by PCCO and CDF-2 could be due to de novo synthesis of selected isoforms, as evidenced by the relative differences in the inhibition of EROD activity with 7,8-benzoflavone or metyrapone.

[Importance of air purifiers in the prevention of respiratory allergy]. / Intérêt des purificateurs d'air dans la prévention de l'allergie respiratoire.

Prevention of respiratory allergy and thus diminution of its prevalence consists of the application not only of preventative measures on the allergens themselves, but also on atmospheric pollutants such as NO, CO and diesel particles. These modify the allergens and increase synthesis of allergen-specific IgE. Use of air purifiers, on condition that they have HEPA or ULPA filters may contribute to reduction of allergenicity linked to pollutants and are one of the not-negligible means of protection from respiratory allergy and asthma in particular.

Predictors of blood lead concentrations in the lead-free gasoline era.

OBJECTIVES: Blood lead concentrations in a Danish reference population were related to information from an extensive questionnaire on work, environment, and life-style. METHODS: Data were gathered for 209 persons by means of a questionnaire and blood lead analyses. RESULTS: The mean concentration of lead in blood was 0.167 micromol/l (ie, significantly lower than in previous studies). This finding is in accordance with the fact that less than 10% of the gasoline used in Denmark contains lead additives (up to 0.15 g/l). An important finding was that the well-documented predictors for lead in blood at higher concentration levels, such as age, gender, menopausal status, and intake of alcohol, are still valid in a low-level exposure situation. In addition, a strong and negative correlation was found between blood lead concentrations and dietary supplementation with vitamins and minerals. CONCLUSIONS: The present data indicate that lead exposure may still constitute a health risk in a small proportion of adult men and postmenopausal women.

Dangerous and cancer-causing properties of products and chemicals in the oil-refining and petrochemical industry--Part XXII: Health hazards from exposure to gasoline containing methyl tertiary butyl ether: study of New Jersey residents.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether has caused the following cancers in rats and mice: kidney, testicular, liver, lymphomas, and leukemias. Thus, in the absence of adequate data on humans, it is biologically plausible and prudent to regard methyl tertiary butyl ether-for which there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals-as a probable human carcinogen. This means that some humans are at extreme risk of contracting cancers resulting from their exposure to oxygenated gasoline containing methyl tertiary butyl ether. Immediately after the introduction of methyl tertiary butyl ether into gasoline, many consumers of this product in New Jersey, New York, Alaska, Maine, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Arizona, Montana, Massachusetts, California, and other areas, experienced a variety of neurotoxic, allergic, and respiratory illnesses. These illnesses were similar to those suffered by refinery workers from the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Union who mixed methyl tertiary butyl ether with gasoline. Additionally, these illnesses occurred following exposure to extremely low levels of methyl tertiary butyl ether in gasoline, particularly when compared to the adverse health effects that occurred only after exposure to very high levels of conventional gasoline. Thus, gasoline containing methyl tertiary butyl ether exhibited substantially more toxicity in humans than gasoline without this additive. A number of oil industry-sponsored or influenced reports alleged that these illnesses were either unrelated to exposure to reformulated gasoline or were characteristic of some yet-to-be-identified communicable disease. These studies further alleged that the widespread concern was not about illness, but was merely a reaction to the odor and the five cent increase in the price of gasoline. To clarify the significance of this issue, it is important to note that consumers have been using gasoline for many decades, with complaints only occurring following exposure to high levels at 100s ppm or higher. After the introduction of methyl tertiary butyl ether gasoline there were thousands of human health complaints. The sudden increase in widespread illnesses from which many thousands of individuals throughout the United States began to suffer immediately following the introduction of methyl tertiary butyl ether into gasoline provides strong and unquestionable evidence that gasoline containing methyl tertiary butyl ether is associated with human illnesses. When considering the severity of the illnesses in humans, it is prudent that this highly dangerous chemical be promptly removed from gasoline and comprehensive studies be conducted to assess the long-term effects that human may experience in the future from past and current exposure.

No increase in micronuclei frequency in cultured blood lymphocytes from a group of filling station attendants.

Service station attendants are workers that are definitely exposed to petroleum derivatives. Taking into account that this exposure has been considered to possess genotoxic risk, here we present data on the biomonitoring of a group of 50 service station workers and 43 controls. Micronuclei (MN) from peripheral blood lymphocytes has been considered as the genetic endpoint to be studied and, in addition, data on the concentration of aromatic hydrocarbons at the workplace, urinary metabolites and differential white blood cell count have also been analysed. The results obtained indicate no significant differences between petrol station attendants and controls, when the effects of petrol exposure were investigated by differential white blood cell count and analysis of MN frequencies in phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes. Regarding the urinary metabolites, a significant increase in the phenol level was found in the exposed workers.

Dangerous and cancer-causing properties of products and chemicals in the oil refining and petrochemical industry. VIII. Health effects of motor fuels: carcinogenicity of gasoline--scientific update.

1. Significant increases in tumors of kidney, liver, and other tissues and organs following exposure to gasoline provide sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity. 2. Benzene, a significant component of gasoline, has been established without question as a human carcinogen by IARC, EPA, and WHO. 3. 1,3-Butadiene, a component of gasoline, is a powerful carcinogen in both animals and humans. 4. Sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of alkyl benzenes, very significant components of gasoline, has also been established. 5. Human epidemiologic studies show important increases in cancers of the kidney, stomach, brain, pancreas, prostate, lung, and skin as well as hematopoietic and lymphatic leukemias as a result of exposure to gasoline, its components, and its vapors. 6. Stage 2 controls are being implemented to reduce exposure of the human population to gasoline vapors.

Acute leukemia in professional drivers exposed to gasoline and diesel.

The environmental exposure to the petroleum products gasoline, diesel, and their motor exhausts was studied in a case-control interview of 125 patients with acute leukemia and 1 matched control per patient. Odds ratios were calculated by comparing discordant matched patient-control pairs. An excess risk for developing acute leukemia was found for the professional drivers, and odds ratio was determined to be 3.0 (95% CI: 1.1-9.2/p less than or equal to 0.02). For those who were exposed for more than 5 years in their life-time, or more than 1 yr during the 5-20 yr period prior to diagnosis, the odds ratio was 5.0 (p less than 0.05). This finding remains after consideration is given to exposures to organic solvents, smoking and therapeutic x-ray treatment. No excess risk was observed for persons professionally exposed to motor oil and machine oil without exposure to fuels and exhausts. No preferential type of acute leukemia was found to be associated with exposure to fuels and their exhausts. The results indicate an etiological relationship between the development of acute leukemia and exposure to petroleum products as fuels and exhaust.

Promoting effects of unleaded gasoline and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane on the development of atypical cell foci and renal tubular cell tumors in rats exposed to N-ethyl-N-hydroxyethylnitrosamine.

Unleaded gasoline (UG), a nongenotoxic kidney carcinogen in male, but not female, F344 rats or either sex of mice, and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (TMP), a representative nephrotoxic isoparaffinic component of UG, were tested for potential promoting and cocarcinogenic effects in a kidney initiation-promotion model. The promotion study was conducted with 305 male and 305 female F344 rats fed 170 ppm N-ethyl-N-hydroxyethylnitrosamine in the drinking water for 2 weeks and then inhalation exposed to 0, 10, 70, or 300 ppm UG or 50 ppm TMP for 24 or 59 to 61 weeks. In a sequence reversal study, 390 male F344 rats were inhalation exposed to 0, 10, 70, or 300 ppm UG or 50 ppm TMP for 24 weeks, followed by 170 ppm N-ethyl-N-hydroxyethylnitrosamine in the drinking water during weeks 28 to 30, and killed at weeks 65 to 67. Renal neoplastic lesions were classified as atypical cell foci (ACF) and renal cell tumors (RCT). In the hydrocarbon promotion study, dose related increases were observed in the incidence of ACF in male rats promoted with UG or 50 ppm TMP for 24 or 60 weeks. A significant linear trend in the incidence of RCT was observed in male rats promoted with UG for 24 weeks. The incidence of ACF or RCT was not elevated in female rats promoted with UG or TMP. In the sequence reversal study, a slight increase in ACF was demonstrated in male rats exposed to 300 ppm UG, whereas no increase in RCT was observed in any exposure group. It is concluded that UG and TMP are promoters of ACF and RCT in male, but not female, rats under the conditions of this study. Data from related investigations suggest that the tumor promoting potential of UG and TMP results from reversible binding of metabolites to alpha 2u-globulin, which leads to decreased renal catabolism of this protein, chronic lysosomal overload, cell death, and compensatory cell proliferation.