Effects of gasoline engine emissions on health status of auto rickshaw drivers at DIR (L) Khyber Pukhtunkhwa

Abstract

A total of 50 blood samples were collected from auto rickshaw drivers who were exposed to environmental gasoline in different sites of Dir (L), Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Pakistan, in July and August, 2009. Control group was selected among the individuals who were not regularly exposed to gasoline emissions. The samples were analyzed for calcium, cholesterol, glucose, phosphorus, potassium, and triglycerides levels. A significant increase was found in the blood levels of calcium, glucose, phosphorus, and triglycerides. A significant decrease was detected in the blood levels of potassium without any significant effect on the blood levels of cholesterol and magnesium.

Keywords:

• auto rickshaw drivers
• cholesterol
• phosphorus
• triglycerides