INFLUENCE OF EXPOSURE TO DOUBTFUL QUALITY PETROL ON SINUS, LUNG AND HEART CONDITIONS IN VENDORS

Abstract

The gaseous particles of doubtful quality petrol diffuse into the atmosphere and enter the body mainly via the respiratory tract, but its effects on the organs of the respiratory system are hardly understood. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of exposure to doubtful quality petrol on the condition of users' sinuses, lungs and heart. The sinuses, lungs and hearts of 80 sellers and 80 consumers of doubtful quality petrol were examined by X-ray. The frequencies of the anomalies recorded were calculated, and Chi² and Z tests were used to compare them among sellers and consumers, and according to the age classes of the respondents. Sinus abnormalities were more frequent (p<0.05) among sellers than the consumers. Maxillary sinus transparency decreased more (p<0.01) among sellers than the consumers. The proportion of sellers with opacity and decreased transparency in the frontal sinuses was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the ones of the consumers. Lung abnormalities included thoracic aorta unwinding, basal interstitial syndrome, localized mammary calcification,costo-diaphragmatic cul-de-sac blunting and bilateral bronchopathy. Among these abnormalities, bilateral bronchopathy was more common (p<0.05) among the sellers than the consumers. The proportion of vendors with a greater cardiothoracic index (CTI) more than 0.5 (42.5%) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than that of consumers (8.75%). Sinus damage varied very little from one age group to another. Sinus damage was reported more frequently (p<0.05) among the20 to 30 years old sellers than among the same age group Consumers. Consumers aged between 20 and 30 showed fewer progressive pleuroparenchymal abnormalities than sellers in the same age group. The proportion of sellers aged 40 to 50 with an ICT greater than 0.50 ishigher than that of consumers. The sale of doubtful quality petrol exposes the population to sinus, pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases.