Auto-LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and its health outcomes: A review

ABSTRACT

The use of auto-LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) has spread globally due to its economic and environmental advantages over gasoline and diesel. The growing popularity of auto-LPG in the country has been challenged by reported health complaints from its use instigating alarms among taxi drivers and passengers. This paper aims to review documented health outcomes of auto-LPG among drivers. Health outcomes of auto-LPG are classified to inhalation effects and burns. Auto-LPG is expected to have inhalational effects such as headache, dizziness, dry throat, nausea and dry cough during prolonged exposure caused by leakage from faulty conversions. Fire and explosion causing significant burns were documented in relation to auto-LPG use. Cases of cold burns or frostbite were also reported. Human factors and technical malfunctions causing leakage were implicated on the reported adverse health event. Limited studies on auto-LPG and health outcomes require the development and use of objective assessment of health outcomes and presence of auto-LPG in the driver's environment to make relevant correlations. Regulations governing auto-LPG should be reviewed to formulate strategic interventions to promote health and safety of drivers as well as the passengers.