Doctors Warn Pregnant Women: Avoid Petrol Fumes to Prevent Leukaemia, Birth Risks

Senior medical experts are urging pregnant women to avoid prolonged exposure to petrol fumes, warning it significantly increases the risk of childhood leukaemia and other serious complications for their babies.

In interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, professors highlighted that petrol fumes contain benzene, a known carcinogen linked to blood cancers. They explained that constant exposure during pregnancy can also lead to preterm birth, low birth weight, developmental issues, and health problems for the mother, including gestational diabetes and thyroid dysfunction.

Emeritus Professor Ifeoma Okoye advised that pregnant women working at fuel stations should be redeployed. “Pregnancy is a sensitive window. What the mother breathes can affect the baby’s growth,” she stated.

Professor Andrew Uloko, an endocrinologist, emphasized the severe risks: “It is not advisable for pregnant women to be exposed… It affects the overall health and the outcome of the pregnancy.” He linked exposure to future child health issues like neuro-developmental problems and lung immaturity.

The doctors’ recommendations are clear: avoid exposure where possible, ensure proper ventilation, use protective equipment like masks if exposure is unavoidable, and seek immediate medical consultation following significant exposure.