Effects of Gasoline Inhalation on Menstrual Characteristics and the Hormonal Profile of Female Petrol Pump Workers

Abstract

Increasing numbers of young women are employed as gasoline station attendants in most developing countries despite the lack of empirical data on the adverse reproductive health effect of this solvent. This study therefore sought to assess the effects of gasoline inhalation on the serum sex hormone profile and menstrual characteristics of female gasoline station attendants in Nigeria, given the global increase in the rate of infertility and the existing evidence on the reproductive toxicity of gasoline constituents. A site-by-site cross-sectional study of 117 female gasoline pump attendants and 118 age-matched controls was carried out between September 2011 and November 2012. The following 3 instruments were used for data collection: a semi-structured questionnaire, a female sex hormone profile assay and exposure status measures. The prevalence of menstrual disorders among the exposed and unexposed women was 37.2% and 28.5% respectively. Exposure to gasoline was significantly associated with disorders in both menstrual cycle length and quantity of flow. Specifically, exposed women had a greater than threefold increased risk of a menstrual disorder, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.25 for abnormal cycle length and OR of 4.16 for abnormal quantity of flow. In addition, longer duration of exposure (>1 year) was significantly associated with higher likelihood of menstrual disorders. There were also persistent low serum levels of estradiol, and fluctuating levels of other reproductive hormones. Gasoline inhalation may interfere with ovarian functions leading to disordered menstrual characteristics and female sex hormone profiles, as well as future reproductive impairment.

Recent advances in occupational and environmental health hazards of workers exposed to gasoline compounds

“…Disturbance of both cycle length and quantity of menstrual flow was also noted [7]. Several studies have found a correlation between ovarian hypo-and hyperplasia, as well as a reduction in the duration of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and exposure to gasoline compounds, particularly benzene [38,42].…”

“…As a reproductive toxin, it may cause changes in sexual behavior, disordered menstrual patterns and sex hormone profiles [7], decreased fertility, as well as interference with fetal development [39]. Xu et al [37] reported increased risk of spontaneous abortion among 3000 women employed in a Chinese petrochemical plant, particularly those exposed to benzene and gasoline.…”

“…Recent research has indicated that gasoline and its compounds (BTEX) are reproductive toxicants with the potential to cause adverse effects on male [36] and female [7,37,38] reproductive systems. As a reproductive toxin, it may cause changes in sexual behavior, disordered menstrual patterns and sex hormone profiles [7], decreased fertility, as well as interference with fetal development [39].…”

“…However, other studies have suggested that BTEX compounds may exert their effects at the level of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Toluene and xylene have been found to cause a significant reduction in serum levels of GnRH, GnRH-receptors and pituitary-1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in experimental animals [7,49].…”

“…These hydrocarbons are readily absorbed and may cause a wide range of adverse health effects. Such effects may vary depending on several factors, including differences in exposure intensity and duration [6], chemical and molecular properties of the gasoline, as well as inter-individual differences, due to variation in individuals' pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics related to the different gasoline components [7]. Since each of the BTEX compounds has an inherent toxic potential, workers at gasoline stations are the population at greatest risk of being simultaneously exposed to the synergistic and/or additive adverse effects of the gasoline constituents.…”