The Counterfeit Petrol Business in Benin and Associated Health Consequences Among Stakeholders

Abstract

In Benin counterfeit fuel is sold across the country, but the health consequences associated with this activity are not documented. The present study was conducted to describe the specificities of this business in a representative municipality of Southern Benin and to identify its health-related consequences as perceived by the vendors. Data was collected using a questionnaire survey in 160 vendors of counterfeit petrol in the municipality of Abomey-Calavi. The data were analyzed with SAS software and the proportions were compared two by two with the two-tailed Z test. The findings reveal that the trade of counterfeit petrol involves as many men (53%) as women (47%). The vendors have an average of 10.14 years of experience in the business. The conditions for practicing the profession are not optimal. Vendors store their fuel at the point of sale and they work more than 8 hours a day. Most of the respondents sold petrol at less than 400 F CFA (97.47%). At this price, most of them (51.27%) made a daily profit between 1000 and 5000 F CFA per day. Despite this daily profit, most of the respondents (73.20%) wish to change their profession because of the perceived health hazards that can be caused by prolonged exposure to petrol. Most vendors said to experience fatigue (82.76%), headache (66.21%), dizziness (60.69%) and skin irritations (51.03%). Moreover, respiratory symptoms were reported by the respondents including mainly sneezing (69.92%), stuffed nose (68.42%), loss of smell (55.64%), episodes of rhinorrhea (53.38%) and throat irritations (51.88%). The proportions of people reporting sneezing and stuffy nose were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the other categories. Despite these health risks, very few of them seek medical care when ill. A spatial distribution of vendors based on symptoms generated three main categories. The 1st group is composed of vendors from Glo-Djibé, Hèvié and Kpanroun. Those of group 2 are located in Akassato and Zinvié; while vendors from Godomey, Calavi, Togba and Ouédo made the last group. Frequently reported symptoms were dizziness, irritation of the eyes and loss of smell in the 1st group; episodes of rhinorrhea and irritation of the throat in group 2. Most symptoms reported in group 3 were headache, fatigue, lower back pain, stuffy nose and dental problems. Although the counterfeit petrol business generates interesting profits to traders, the associated hazards are enormous, hence the need to improve the technical and safety conditions of this sector.