Evaluation of Cases of Burns Associated with the Use of Adulterated Kerosene in Aba Metropolis Abia State, Nigeria
Published: 2022-01-15
Page: 24-26
Issue: 2022 - Volume 5 [Issue 1]
Chris Akunne Wariso *
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria.
Ngozi Akunne Wariso
Department of Ophthalmology, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
D. C. Ejiofor
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical, Imo State University, Owerri Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In Nigeria, numerous uses of kerosene abound. It is the main fuel used for cooking and lighting especially by the 120 million poor that characterise the population as an alternative to the erratic electricity supply. Adulteration of Household kerosene (HHK) may be deliberate or inadvertent. Hospital records from where the data used in this study were sourced were obtained from randomly selected hospitals within Aba metropolis of Abia state over a three year periods (2019-2021). In 2019 the total number of persons affected by adulterated kerosene related burn was 39 (18 males and 21 females) were affected as a consequence of which 5 male and 7 female lost their lives. In 2020, a total number of 28 persons were affected by adulterated kerosene related burn (13 males and 15 females) resulting in the death of 3 males and 4 females. However, in 2021, a total number of 64 cases involving 35 females and 29 males which resulted to the death of 9 females and 7 males were recorded. In conclusion, the study revealed that the incidence of adulterated kerosene related burn was higher in 2021 than 2020 and 2019 with more women than men being affected across the study years.Keywords: Hydrocarbon, paraffin, kerosene, petroleum