Evaluation of Haematological and Cytokine Indices of Humans in a Gas Flare-Impacted Community

Purpose: This study examined the effects of gas flare exposure on haematological indices and cytokines levels of residents of Ibeno, an oil-bearing community in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Haematological parameters were assessed on whole blood samples using electrical impedance method, while the serum was used for cytokine analysis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS (version 21 for windows, SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA). Student t-test (independent-samples) was employed to ascertain the statistical significance of the difference between means. Findings: Blood analysis results showed reduced RBC, haemoglobin and platelet but increased white blood cells in test group (TG) compared to control group (CG). Interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels in test subjects significantly increased relative to control subjects, but the reverse was the case with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). The haematological parameters and cytokine levels are suggestive of imminent dangerous health conditions. Exposure to flare gas pollutants has endangered the health of residents of Ibeno. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Empirical studies on the impact of gas flaring on humans have not been adequately documented. There is need for more research and documentation of research findings on gas flaring. There is also a dearth of data on possible effects of gas flaring on cytokines, and by extension, the immune system. All these underscored the crying need for this research. It is therefore recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria should strengthen the capacity of regulatory agencies such as the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to enforce adequate sanctions that can check environmental pollution by oil companies. Government should set a realistic date for ending gas flaring since the 2020 deadline was not met.