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Impact of Prolonged Exposure to Oil and Gas Flares on Human Renal Functions

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Author Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Human Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, NIGERIA
  • 2 Department of Human Physiology, College Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, NIGERIA
  • 3 Department of Biomedical Technology, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, NIGERIA

Int. Res. J. Medical Sci., Volume 1, Issue (11), Pages 9-16, December,28 (2013)

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of prolonged exposure to oil and gas flares on the renal functions of some residents of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in the vicinity of the oil and gas flares continually in the order of ten (10) years and above compared to the control subjects drawn from non oil and gas production environments. The subjects were matched for age, sex, educational status and socioeconomic status. Of the 3150 adult volunteers screened, 790 (475 exposed groups and 315 control groups) met the inclusion criteria and participated in the study. Blood samples were collected from all subjects and analyzed for serum concentrations of urea, creatinine, potassium, uric acid and inorganic phosphate. The results showed that the exposed to environmental pollutants of oil and gas origins had statistically significantly increased serum concentrations of urea, creatinine, potassium, uric acid and inorganic phosphate compared with control (p0.05). Our result suggests therefore that individuals exposed to chronic – low level of oil and gas flared associated-environments had raised levels of renal dysfunction biomarkers and thus are more predisposed to developing kidney diseases.

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