Petroleum Distilates Use In Folk Medicine In South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

A survey of 592 individuals, in four local government areas in the South East of Nigeria was carried out to determine the use of petroleum distillate products in treating common ailments. It was found that there was a high number of respondents (69%) using one or more of these toxic products in treating common ailments. Products commonly used topically and ingested include brake fluid (hydraulic fluid), kerosene, petrol, crude oil and engine oil. It is believed that the lack of affordable healthcare coupled with high illiteracy encourages the use of these products. It is suggested that the relevant Government agencies such as the Ministry of Health and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) be made aware of these findings in order to educate the populace on the dangers of these products.