Eating and Drinking Crude Oil versus Haematological Compromise

Consumption of crude oil intentionally or unintentionally is not uncommon. Pollution due to exploration, vandalism and oil spillage may account for unintentional consumption as these affect farmlands and fishing waters-thus bioaccumulation through food chain and domestic use of contaminated water and farm produce. While some regards crude oil as sheep remedy for any form of ailments including poisoning,convulsion,skin infections e.tc.,even protection against witchcraft. This practice is not only among the dwellers of Niger Delta area of Nigeria. It may cause physiological stress and dysfunction. Three studies were carried out in this work. Effects of two weeks oral administration of crude oil on haematological parameters in rats were reported in chapter three - it showed that crude oil decreased PCV, RBC and increased WBC. In chapter four effects of crude oil on plasma electrolytes, plasma lipids and PCV were examined-results showed increased in plasma sodium and decrease in PCV. While the effects of a petroleum product(gasoline) was examined on rats in chapter five- even though it appear not to alter RBC, WBC and PCV but it significantly decreased the haemoglobin concentration.