Effects of crude acetylene fumes on serum heavy metals, haematological indices and histology of the lung tissues of adult Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Crude acetylene fumes generated from Calcium carbide (CaC₂) is one of the most widely used source of acetylene gas for occupational gas welding and as an artificial fruit ripener despite numerous health warnings from the government and health groups in Nigeria.

Aim: The study was aimed at evaluating the effects of crude acetylene on heavy metals present in serum, haematological indices and histology of the lung tissues.

Materials and Methods: Twenty (20) adult male wistar rats were used. The rats were divided into two groups; Group 1 (control) and Group 2 (Test group) (n=10). The animals from the Test group (n = 10) were subsequently exposed to crude acetylene fumes released from the dissolution of 20g of calcium carbide in water for 30 minutes daily for a period of 4 weeks. At the end of the 4th week, the rats were anaesthetized and blood samples were collected for serum heavy metals and haematological analysis and tissues were harvested for histological studies.

Results: a significant increase is seen in serum heavy metals (Cr, Fe and Cd) but no significant difference in Pb in the Test group compared with the control group. Also, there was a decrease in percentage granulocytes and histological results show destruction of respiratory epithelium. Also, there were significant damages to the lung tissues which include mild interstitial haemorrhage, bronchiolar ulceration with luminal debris, interstitial oedema, bronchiolar haemorrhage vascular distortion and congestion.

Conclusion: Exposure to crude acetylene fumes increases serum heavy metals and can cause disruption of the respiratory epithelium