Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Auto Mechanics in Aba Metropolis, South East, Nigeria Who Were Exposed to Petrol and Petroleum Products

Background: Every day, humans come into contact with heavy metals in the environment. These metals are widespread throughout the world and are known to affect and create specific biological changes that may be detrimental to the body. Auto mechanics are known to come in contact with these hazardous substances during vehicle maintenance and repair activities, which may lead to the release of heavy metals into the body as well as the environment. Aim: To evaluate the levels of heavy metals that auto mechanics are exposed to from petroleum and petroleum products in mechanic workshops in Aba Metropolis. Study Design: A cross sectional study with a total of 204 participants, 123 of whom were auto mechanics and 81 of whom were non auto mechanics (controls), had blood samples taken from them. Place and Duration of Study: The blood samples were taken from auto mechanic working in mechanic workshop spread around four locations of Aba Metropolis during the period of May 2022 to November, 2022. Samples were analyzed at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Abia State and Laboratory Department, JAROS Inspection Services Limited, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Methods: The levels of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, and As) in blood were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The Statistical Analysis System (SAS), STAT 15.1 was used to analyse the data from the study. Results: The serum concentration of heavy metals in reducing order, were Cr > Pb > As > Hg > Cd in the exposed individuals while in the control subjects, the order from the highest concentration was; Cr > Pb >As > Cd > Hg.  The blood of auto mechanics had a significantly higher level of Pb and Hg than that of non-auto mechanics (p<0.05). Duration of exposure of the auto mechanics to petrol and its product showed an adverse effect from the results gotten in this study. Conclusion:  Heavy metal contamination still poses a threat to health and well-being of the auto mechanics in Aba Metropolis.