Potential Health Effects of Gasoline and Its Constituents: A Review of Current Literature (1990-1997) on Toxicological Data

Abstract

We reviewed toxicological studies, both experimental and epidemiological, that appeared in international literature in the period 1990-1997 and induded both leaded and unleaded gasolines as well as their components and additives. The aim of this overview was to select, arrange, and present references of scientific papers published during the period under consideration and to summarize the data in order to give a comprehensive picture ofthe results of toxicological studies performed in laboratory animals (induding carcinogenic, teratogenic, or embryotoxic activity), mutagenicity and genotoxic aspects in mammalian and bacterial systems, and epidemiological results obtained in humans in relation to gasoline exposure. This paper draws attention to the inherent difficulties in assessing with precision any potential adverse effects on health, that is, the risk of possible damage to man and his environment from gasoline. The difficulty of risk assessment still exists despite the fact that the studies examined are definitely more technically valid than those of earlier years. The uncertainty in overall risk determination from gasoline exposure also derives from the conflicting results of different studies, from the lack of a correct scientific approach in some studies, from the variable characteristics ofthe different gasoline mixtures, and from the difficulties of correcdy handling potentially confounding variables related to lifestyle (e.g., cigarette smoking, drug use) or to preeisting pathological conditions. In this respect, this paper highlights the need for accurately assessing the condusive explanations reported in scientific papers so as to avoid the spread of inaccurate or misleading information on gasoline toxidty in nonscientific papers and in mass-media messages.

Risk factors of myelodysplastic syndromes: a case–control study

“…[8][9][10][11] Associations with exposure to certain organic chemicals, pesticides, and radiation have been reported in some, [8][9][10] but not all studies. 12,13 Alcohol use, autoimmune conditions, hair dye use, and genetic disorders (such as Down's syndrome, Fanconi's anemia, Bloom's syndrome, etc) have also been implicated in MDS development. 9,14 The increasing incidence of MDS, possibly due to the aging of the population and greater diagnostic awareness, highlights the need for understanding the etiology of this disease.…”

Personal exposure to benzene from fuel emissions among commercial fishers: comparison of two-stroke, four-stroke and diesel engines

“…Gasoline exposure is associated with renal and liver cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myeloma, heart disease and irritant effects (reviewed by Caprino and Togna (1997)). Benzene, which is present in liquid gasoline at much higher concentrations than in diesel fuel and is produced during the combustion of both fuels, is causally associated with AML in occupational groups exposed to relatively high levels (410 PPM or 32 mg/ m 3 ) (Infante et al, 1982;Wong, 1995;Savitz and Andrews, 1997).…”

Hydrocarbon Release During Fuel Storage and Transfer at Gas Stations: Environmental and Health Effects

“…The health consequences of chronic fuel releases at gas stations that can, for example, occur due to ingestion of contaminated groundwater, fuel vapor intrusion from contaminated soil and groundwater into dwellings [60], and atmospheric vapor releases during fuel transfer and storage have not been studied. While limited measurements of ambient concentrations of vapor constituents in communities were identified, literature searches did not identify studies of the health consequences of inhalation exposures to gasoline vapors among community residents [61].…”