Automobile Workshops Research Articles

Isolation and Characterization of Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacteria in Top and Subsoil of selected Mechanic Workshops in Benin City Metropolis, Nigeria

The isolation of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in topsoil and subsoil samples of selected mechanic workshops located in the Benin metropolis was carried out. The highest and lowest bacterial counts in topsoil samples were found out to be 2.94 x 10 6 CFU/g and 2.39 x 10 6 CFU/g in CENTRAL road and OGBELAKA road automobile workshops respectively. The highest and lowest bacterial counts in subsoil samples were found out to be 1.14 x 10 6 CFU/g and 1.09 x 10 6 CFU/g in OGBELAKA r oad and CENTRAL road automobile workshops respectively. The bacterial species isolated were Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. The isolates were also subjected to hydrocarbon degradation/utilization test where it was observed that Pseudomonas spp utilized the hydrocarbon in the medium more efficiently than the other isolates. The isolates from this study are thus recommended as bacterial species for possible use in bioremediation of hydrocarbons. © Keywords : bioremediation, topsoil, subsoil, hydrocarbon, Pseudomonas spp, isolates.

Measuring and improving customer retention at authorised automobile workshops after free services

Customer retention is vital for businesses with much research literature now available. But nothing has been investigated regarding measuring and improving customer retention at authorised automobile workshops after free services. Even after providing extensive warranties and other free service benefits, customers don't use authorised workshops although their vehicles are still under warranty. By not arranging regular maintenance services, customers lose warranty benefits, with product performance and safety related awareness undermined; companies lose huge business potential. Therefore, this study aims to measure and improve customer retention at authorised automobile workshops after free services. To achieve this, a four-phased study has been conducted. In phase one, a combination of a literature review and expert opinions is used to identify customers' retention factors. The second and third phases describe how data is collected from industry experts and customers. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Decision Making Trial & Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) are used to prioritise and examine inter-relationships among factors. In the last phase, the study recommends three business strategies to help a company to improve customer retention and make their Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) product more customer friendly.

Studies on Biosurfcatants Produced by Microorganisms Isolated from Different Locations

Background: Biosurfactants are amphiphilic compounds which have the significant advantages over synthetic counterparts. The advantages of biosurfactants over their synthetic derivatives and a wide range of applications have attracted a strong interest of scientific community. These have wide range of potential applications in areas of environmental applications and management, crude oil recovery, antimicrobial agents in health care and food processing industries. Objectives: the present study describes the Collection of different samples and isolation of microorganisms utilizing different hydrocarbons , purification and identification of the microbial isolates , screening of the ability of the used isolates for the effeciency in producing biosurfactants and studies for achieving optimum production of the biosurfactants and their chemical identification. Methodology and Results: In this study, we collected 15 samples from different locations from crude oil reservoires, waste industrial water, waste water, agricultural soil and automobile workshop. totally 1834colonies were obtained from all 15 samples from which 149 morphologically different colonies were tested for biosurfactants production and 50 strains showed a promising biosurfactants production. The two strains W1-S55 and SA3-S107 that presented the highest values of oil spreading test (65 and67mm), emulsification index (80 and85%), parafilm M test(8and10mm) and dropcollapse test(5and6mm) were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, respectively by 16s rRNA sequence analysis and by Biochemical tests with Biolog system. 3 % Glyceroland %0.15 Glycine as carbon and nitrogen source, respectively was the optimal for biosurfactants producing condition by the isolate W1-S55, 16% molass and 0.5%sodium nitrate as carbon and nitrogen source, respectively was the optimal for biosurfactants producing condition by the isolate SA3-S107. The effect of pH; salinity and temperature on the produced biosurfactant were also evaluated.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Pawpaw (Carica papaya Linn.) around Automobile Workshops in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Background.Consumption of plants such as Carica papaya grown around automobile workshops is common in big cities in Nigeria. However, little is known about the heavy metals contamination of these consumables due to the influence of automobile emissions during maintenance activities.Objectives.This study aimed to assess heavy metal concentrations in C. papaya and supporting soils around automobile workshops in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria.Methods.Seven automobile workshops were used for the present study. First, 20 m × 20 m quadrats were laid out for soil and C. papaya tissue sampling. One composite soil sample was collected from the topsoil (0–15 cm depth) around each of the automobile workshops. Three C. papaya stands at least 30 cm apart around each workshop were used for the study and from these stands, tissues (root, stem, leaf, fruit) of C. papaya were collected. Standard laboratory techniques were used to determine the pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and heavy metals (lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)) in the soil samples and C. papaya tissues. Pairwise t-test was used to determine significant differences (p<0.05) in the heavy metal concentrations in soil and C. papaya tissues between the sample and control sites, while correlation statistics were used to determine the relationship of heavy metal concentrations between soil and C. papaya tissues.Results.C. papaya tissues and supporting soil had significantly higher levels of pH, EC and heavy metals in the sampled plots than the control plot. The heavy metal concentrations in C. papaya and soil occurred in the decreasing order of Pb>Cu>Hg>Zn>Cd. The fruit of C. papaya had the highest mean concentrations of Pb (51.4±14.1 mg/kg) and Zn (26.4±1.9 mg/kg), while the leaf had the highest mean concentration of Hg (32.0±2.3 mg/kg). The pH, Cu and Zn in the supporting soil were significantly correlated with the levels in the C. papaya tissues.Conclusion.Bio-accumulation of heavy metals by C. papaya is evident around automobile workshops, and Pb, Hg, Cd concentrations were found to be above the permissible limits for human consumption according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Consumption of food materials grown around automobile workshops could pose health risks.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the settled dust of automobile workshops, health and carcinogenic risk evaluation

There are studies available on the occurrence of PAHs in indoor settled dust from residential and different occupational settings in literature but limited data is available on their occurrence and potential health risk assessment in automobile workshops. In recent decades Saudi Arabia has experienced tremendous growth in the petroleum industry and as a result, the automobile industry is booming. People working in automobile workshops are at a greater risk of exposure to chemicals releasing from the petroleum products. The main objective of this study was to report PAHs in settled dust from different automobile workshops of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and evaluate health risk for workers through dust exposure. Pyrene (1585–13500ng/g), Benz[a]anthracene (<LOQ–5065ng/g), and Phenanthrene (280–4860ng/g) were the major PAHs and ∑12PAHs concentrations ranged between 7620 and 30800ng/g. Profile of PAHs was different in dust from small and heavy vehicle workshops. For workers, health risk assessment was calculated based on benzo[a]pyrene equivalent carcinogenic power (BaPE), incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), and daily exposure to PAHs via dust ingestion. The median concentration of BaPE was 285ng/g, ILCR was up to 6.78×10−3 (exceeded reference values of USEPA (range between 1×10−6 and 1×10−4)), and worker's exposure via dust ingestion on daily bases reached up to 33ng/kgbw/day for ∑12PAHs. This study showed people working in automobile workshops in the studied area are getting expose to high levels of PAHs via dust ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. CapsuleThis is the first study reporting PAHs in automobile workshops settings from Middle East. The incremental lifetime cancer risk to workers via dust exposure exceeded set limits of USEPA.

English

Human activities such as agriculture, construction of houses and automobile workshops and natural processes alter the properties of soils and water which affect the health of plants, animals and humans. This work was therefore, aimed at investigating some physicochemical properties of soils and some water sources on the Western Flank of Mount Cameroon with altitude and selected natural and/or anthropogenic activities. Soils and water were sampled in February 2010 and analysed for their physicochemical properties using standard methods. The results of the soil analysis showed that all the soils in the region were acidic. Most of the physicochemical properties of the water analysed were within acceptable limits of WHO. The water sources between Tiko and Wonya-Mavio, Buea had higher nitrate. There were significant positive relationships (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) between nitrogen and altitude and carbon and altitude, respectively. Magnesium and ECEC showed a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) with altitude while calcium showed a highly significant negative correlation with altitude. Natural sources of pollution identified are weathering, erosion and sea water intrusions. The anthropogenic ones include wastes from homes, laundry, fertilizers and factories. Stringent soil and water management scheme or legislature is recommended. Key words: Soils, physicochemical properties, Mount Cameroon, pollution, water, human activities, fertilizers.

Spatial distribution and landuse planning of informal automobile workshops in Osogbo, Nigeria

It is against the background of the increasing incidence and indiscriminate springing up of informal automobile workshops in virtually every open space in Nigerian cities that this study evaluates the spatial distribution of informal automobile workshops in Osogbo. This is with a view to identifying planning strategies for addressing the seemingly uncontrollable proliferation of informal workshops in the city. Global Positioning System was used to obtain coordinates of identified informal automobile workshops, while questionnaire administration to senior artisans was used to capture data pertaining to the activities and other related issues of their workshops. The study discovers that there is an average of 4 complementing units in each of the sixty-nine ‘visible’ workshops identified in the town. With First Order Nearest Neighbour Analysis index of 1.02, informal automobile workshops are randomly located in the town. Hence, informal automobile workshops can spring up beside, behind or within any form or type of land use along major road to distort the existing land use plan (if any). This is observed to be a great challenge for maintaining order in the city. The study therefore, recommends the establishment of mechanic complex, organization and formalization of automobile activity or land use as well as enforcement of development control, among others. Keywords: Spatial distribution; Informal Sector; Land use

Draft Genome Sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae AWD5

ABSTRACTHere, we report the draft genome sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae strain AWD5, isolated from an automobile workshop in India. The de novo assembly resulted in a 4,807,409 bp genome containing 25 rRNA genes, 81 tRNAs, and 4,636 coding sequences (CDS). It carries important genes for polyaromatic hydrocarbon degradation and benzoate degradation.

Occupational health hazards among automobile mechanics working in an urban area of Bangalore -a cross sectional study

Background: Occupational health deals with all aspects of health and safety in the workplace and has a strong focus on primary prevention of hazards. Road side automobile mechanics belong to the informal sector of a developing country like India. There are various hazards in the occupational environment to which mechanics may be exposed, like work-related injuries, chronic illness, stress and, disability because of their low literacy rates, following unsafe practices, unfamiliarity with work process and exposures, and inadequate training. Objectives: 1. To assess the occupational health hazards among roadside automobile mechanics in an urban area of Bangalore 2. To assess the awareness of personal protective equipments among automobile mechanics. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out for a period of 3 months, during September, October and November 2015 among 150 mechanics working at the automobile workshops in an urban area of Bangalore. Data was collected using a pre-tested, validated, semi-structured, indigenous, interviewer based questionnaire. Data was entered in Microsoft excel sheet and analyzed using SPSS 21 software. Descriptive statistics such as frequency tables, pie diagrams and bar charts were used wherever necessary. Result: Musculoskeletal diseases were the most commonly reported health problems by the mechanics (n=93, 62%), followed by cuts and injuries (n=87, 58%). The commonest known personal protective equipment (PPE) were eye goggles (n=131, 87.3%) and hand gloves (n=120, 80%). Conclusion: Proper education of this economically viable group on workplace hazards, the types and properties of the different protective devices in order to safeguard their health is needed.

Desalination study of physicochemical properties from soils in mechanic workshops within Okitipupa, Ondo state, Nigeria.

Auto Mechanic Workshops in thestudy area generate waste containing hazardous chemicals Thirty-six Soil samples were collected from selected automobile workshops (five) in the study area at the depths of 0-15 cm, 30-45 cm, 45-60 cm, 60-75 cm and 75-100 cm. A total of sixty (30) soil samples were collected in five different locations in the ancient town of Okitipupa. Six control samples were also collected in a farm land about 3km away from Auto Mechanic Activities. The physicochemical parameters such as soil composition based on particle size in percentage, ranged 7.65-10.71 for clay, 1.93-6.99 for silt and 85.36-89.98 for sand pH values ranged 4.57-5.93 and electrical conductivity (EC) (?scm?1) ranged 31.67- 143.67. The percentage soil composition was in this order; Sand>Clay>Silt. Assessment of pH shows acidity increases down the depth of the profile and EC follows the same trend. Comparing the values with the control indicate the presence of soluble inorganic salts that is higher in the study area than control.

Musculoskeletal symptoms and physical risk factors among automobile mechanics in Dhaka, Bangladesh

The occupational health and safety service is still in the developing stage. In Bangladesh, this service is merely focused on welfare for the garments workers. Statistics on musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence and risk factors analysis for any occupational group can assist to develop ergonomic based prevention and intervention programs. However, there is no information available about the musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence amongst automobile mechanics in Bangladesh. The aim of study is to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and reveal association with physical risk factors among automobile mechanics. This cross-sectional study was performed with 100 automobile workers conveniently selected from different automobile workshop of Dhaka Division (Savar and Gabtoli) of Bangladesh. The short version of Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence and associated physical risk factors. Furthermore, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment was used to identify the physical risk level of musculoskeletal symptoms. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms during the last 12 months preceding data collection was reported at 77%. The most affected body parts were lower back (67%) then the hip (53%). Socio-demographic and physical risk factors were significantly (p&lt;0.05) associated with reported musculo-skeletal symptoms. It is highly concerning issue for employing occupational health and safety program for those workers.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.6(1) 2016: 8-13

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals by Moringa Oleifera in Automobile Workshops from three Selected Local Governments Area, Ibadan, Nigeria

Plants accumulate minerals essential for their growth from the environment alongside with heavy metals from contaminated areas.This study investigated bioaccumulation of heavy metals by Moringa oleifera in automobile workshops in three selected local government areas in Ibadan. This was done with a view to determining the concentration and type of heavy metals accumulated in the tissues of Moringa oleifera grown around automobile workshops. Barks, leaves and seeds of M. oleifera were collected from three automobile workshops in each of the local government area and from a control site. The samples were dried, ground and analyzed for heavy metals content (Cu, As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn and Zn) using ICP-MS. The mean level of heavy metals obtained ranged from 0.018 ± 0.001 to 0.356 ± 0.021 in the leaves, 0.012 ± 0.001 to 0.255 ± 0.016 in the seed and 0.048 ± 0.003 to 0.989 ± 0.003 in the bark. The concentration of heavy metals recorded followed the trend of Cu > Zn > Mn > Pb > Cr > As > in the leaves; Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr = Mn > As in the seeds and Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Cr > As> in the barks. The overall concentration of heavy metals bioaccumulated by this plant follows the trend; bark > leaves > seeds. The increase in the concentrations of heavy metals observed in the barks, leaves and seeds of M. oleifera collected from automobile workshops to that of control site indicated the impact of mechanical activities in introducing trace metals to the environment.The study further suggested that Moringa olifera in polluted sites may accumulate trace metals in any of its parts; hence care should be taken when harvesting the plant for medicinal purpose.

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of AWs in Akure, Nigeria

Urbanization is on the increase globally, due to the movement of people from rural to urban areas. The rapid increase in urban population has led to the corresponding increase in the use of vehicles and number of automobile workshops (AWs) in Akure. The study area is made up of four political wards with 511 registered mechanics of which 20% are randomly selected for data collection. Kruskal-Wallis statistical tool is used in data analysis. Findings reveal that a majority of the AWs are located on the road setbacks and under power line within the residential neighbourhoods while the existence of automobile spare part shops is the major factor driving their concentration. A significant variation in the spatial distribution of AWs in the political wards of the study area is also discovered. This paper, therefore, recommends establishing a partnership between the government and private organizations on the development of mechanic villages and the enactment of laws restraining automobile mechanics from performing their services out of the confines, so as to ensure a pleasant living environment for residents.

Semen characteristics and testicular biometry of Swiss albino mice treated with water soluble fractions of spent engine oil

Contamination of soil and underlying groundwater with spent engine oil from automobile workshops and garages has serious ecological problems affecting plants and animals. The spermatotoxic potential of spent engine oil (SEO) was investigated using 24 adult male Swiss albino mice having mean weight of 24.67±0.2 g for 30 days. The mice were divided into 4 groups A, B, C, D of six mice each. Group A (control) was treated orally with distilled water, B (100% water soluble fractions (WSF) of spent engine oil), C (10% water soluble fractions (WSF) of spent engine oil) and D (1% water soluble fractions (WSF) of spent engine oil). It was observed that the mean percentage sperm motility, viability and sperm count of the treated groups B, C, and D decreased compared to the control, although the differences were not significant (p>0.05). This same trend was observed for the morphologically abnormal sperm cells of mice in the treated groups compared to the control. It was concluded in this study that treatment with water soluble fractions of spent engine oil for 30 days had no negative effect on the semen characteristics and testicular biometry of Swiss albino mice. © 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved Keywords: Mice, semen, spent engine oil, testes

Human health risk assessment of lead, manganese and copper from scrapped car paint dust from automobile workshops in Nigeria

The economic downturn in Nigeria and Structural Adjustment Programme led to the flooding of Nigerian market with imported used automobiles. Most of these vehicles needed refurbishing and reworking. The present study is a human health risk assessment of metal exposure resulting from reworking of imported used vehicles in Nigeria. Scrap paint dusts from 56 Japanese made cars were collected from 8 different mechanic villages (workshops A-H] in Southeastern Nigeria. Scrap paints were homogenized, mixed, divided into fine particles and digested by standard method. The filtrates were assayed of lead, manganese and copper with atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Workshop B has the highest concentration of Pb (4.26±0.93). Manganese in workshops A and F were (3.31±0.85) and (3.04±0.47) respectively and were higher than the levels from workshops C, B, D, G and H. Copper in workshop D (7.11±0.21) was significantly greater than the other workshops. The highest hazard quotient (HQ) through ingestion, inhalation and dermal exposures in adults were 9.44E-05 (workshop B), 4.20E-01 (workshop B) and 1.08E-05 (workshop D) respectively. The highest values for HQ through ingestion, inhalation and dermal in children were 8.82E-04, 7.61E-01 and 2.86E-05 all in workshop B respectively. For children, the highest carcinogenic risk levels were 7.05E-08, 6.09E-05 and 2.29E-10 for ingestion, inhalation and dermal exposures respectively. In adults, the carcinogenic risk levels were 7.55E-09, 3.39E-05 and 8.67E-10 for ingestion, inhalation and dermal exposures respectively. Chronic exposure to scrap car paint dusts may be of significant public health importance in Nigeria as this may add to the body burden of some heavy metals.

Diesel Oil Utilization Efficiency of Selective Bacterial Isolates from Automobile Workshop and Thesjaswini River of Kerala

Bioremoval and bioreduction activities of hydrocarbon (diesel) isolation from environmental samples were studied by the activity of biosurfactant production, and calculating emulsification index, gravimetric, and FTIR analysis along with the estimation of bacterial biomass. Sample from soil near petrol, diesel pumps and water sample from Thesjaswini River near Padannakad, Kasaragod, Kerala, India, were used to screen the potential diesel oil utilizing bacteria. Among the bacterial isolates (Staphylococcus, Bacillus and Corynebacterium strains), Staphylococcus sp was the potent degraders of diesel oil. Staphylococcus strain was observed to be maximum diesel oil utilizing ability (73% emulsification index) and change in the functional groups of the compound (FTIR analysis). The strain showed optimal growth at 37oC with pH 7, agitation of 150 rpm and time period (5days). The results revealed the possibility to use these strain for the reduction of complex hydrocarbon in ecosystems where they accumulate and cause pollution problems. The highest rate of hydrocarbon degradation occurred when the bacterial strain is a biosurfactants producer. The selective strain produces biosurfactants which increase the interfacial area for contact to give improved uptake of hydrophobic substrates. Bacterial strains capable of degrading complex hydrocarbons, present in the environment, have a potential to be used as an effective tool for removing ecotoxic compounds. Furthermore, results indicated that the bacterial strain Staphylococcus sp could be potentially used in biodegradation of diesel oil in waste water and had a promising application in bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated environments.

Population dynamics and distribution of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria in Automobile workshops within Uyo metropolis, Akwa Ibom State

Laboratory studies were carried out to assess the bacterial population dynamics and distribution in composite soil samples collected from five (5) different automobile workshops at various locations (Ikpa road, Nwaniba road, Udi street, Idakokpo lane and Mechanic village) within Uyo metropolis. The hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria were isolated and characterized from the soils of automobile workshops using cultural techniques. The total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) ranged from 2.5 × 10 5 to 8.0 × 10 5 CFU/g of soil sample, while the hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial count (HUBC) ranged from 2.5 × 10 4 to 4.4 × 10 4 CFU/g of soil sample. The bacterial isolates which were both Gram positive and Gram negative belonged to the genera; Bacillus, Flavobacterium, Achromobacter, Micrococcus, Citrobacter and Acinetobacter . The total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) and hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial count (HUBC) were higher in Ikpa road automobile workshop and Nwaniba road automobile workshops respectively. Bacillus species was found to be present in all the soil samples analysed thus had the highest frequency 5(28%) of occurrence while Achromobacter species had the lowest frequency 1(6%) of occurrence. The presence of these organisms in soils contaminated with spent and unspent lubricating oil and their subsequent growth in enrichment medium supplemented with 1% spent lubricating oil suggest their hydrocarbon utilizing potential, hence, their possible use for the bioremediation of soils impacted with lubricating oil. Keywords: automobile workshops, hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria, bioremediation, enrichment medium, lubricating oil

A Study to Explore the Experiences of Occupational Hazards among the Motor Mechanics Working in Automobile Workshops at Kurali (Punjab)

Occupational hazards have a deleterious effect on health and safety of an individual. It also holds an impact on the organizational effectiveness. The occupational hazard describes a comprehensive harm of motor mechanics in their workshops resulting biological, chemical and physical effects. The aim of the research is to study the occupational health hazards among the automobile workers in workshops and to explore the experiences of different hazards. To identify occupational hazards (physical, chemical, biological and psychological) among motor mechanics. To explore the experiences of occupational hazards. To determine the reporting behaviour in relation to occupational hazards. Non experimental exploratory research approach was used sample of 150 of kurali was selected by Non probability convenient sampling. A semi structured interview schedule was used for data collection. Semi structured interview schedule was used to explore the experiences of workers while working at workshops. On analysis of data maximum of (55.2%) sujects experience physical hazards. Whereas only (22.3%) subjects were experienced biological hazards and almost similar results were shown (47.2%) subjects having moral hazards. So it can be seen that physical hazards were more common in workers than others. The findings of the present study revealed that majority of the subjects experience blister or redness formation. It shows that majority of subjects experience cuts, laceration injuries due to improper use of tools. Automobile workers have no more use of chemicals while repairing vehicles. It was observed most of the subjects were experience arguments with seniors. Most of subjects were not experience any suicidal ideas while working at workshops.

The Role of Trade and Services in Establishing the “System Automobile” in the 1920’s

Many contributions to the history of the automobile focus on production. Instead, this paper explores various kinds of services that support automobile drivers to use their vehicles. The service network consists of automobile dealers, the automobile workshops, fueling stations, tire dealers and garage stations as well as service centers. The mass production of automobiles was supplemented by mass distribution. Automobile producers had to establish a special structure of automobile dealers. The paper explores the conflicts between producers and dealers. The service network in Germany of the 1920s consisted of a new field of small scale entrepreneurs that laid the ground for the expanding service economy.

Comet assay based DNA evaluation of fuel filling stations and automobile workshops workers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan.

BackgroundFuel filling stations workers and automobile workshops mechanics are consistently exposed to gasoline hydrocarbons during their occupation, this may cause DNA damage. Objective of this study was to evaluate the level of DNA damage in subjects occupationally exposed to these hydrocarbons.MethodsComet assay was performed on blood lymphocytes of exposed subjects to assess the probable DNA damage. 100 cells per individual were scored and graded by comet tail length. Exposed group consisted of 98 subjects (age 25.4 ± 7.2 years), of which 68 were CNG/Petrol filling men and 30 were automobile workshop workers, selected randomly from different service stations and automobile workshops of populated and adjacent cities of Peshawar, Mardan and Nowshera of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, while control group included 92 subjects (age 26.7 ± 11.8 years) were also from the same areas.ResultsSignificantly high level of DNA damage was found in the subjects exposed to gasoline hydrocarbons as compared to control subjects (173.2 ± 50.1 and 61.0 ± 25.0, P = 0.001, respectively). Period of exposure and use of tobacco also showed considerable effects (P < 0.05) on DNA damage, while effect of age and daily working hours on total comet score (TCS) were non-significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe results of our study concluded that petroleum hydrocarbons have the potential to cause DNA damage in the exposed subjects. The study also suggested that protective strategies should be implemented by the concerned authorities to minimize exposure to fuel hydrocarbons.