sub-chronic study.

Kerosene is used extensively in the developing world as fuel and indiscriminate exposure is common. The aim of this study is to determine how early in the course of exposure to small quantities of kerosene antioxidant micronutrient alterations occur. Thirty female rats were divided into five groups. Rats in groups 1 & 2 were treated with 0.3 ml/kg body weight of kerosene via oral or dermal route respectively; groups 3 and 4 received the same treatment. Group five served as the control. While groups 1 & 2 study was terminated after 1 week, exposure was for 3 weeks for groups 3 and 4. Irrespective of the route of administration, after 1 and 3 weeks kerosene exposure only zinc, copper, selenium and manganese were significantly decreased compared with control.  In addition, of all the vitamins only niacin, riboflavin, thiamine and vitamin D were significantly decreased at the end of 1 week; although all vitamins were significantly decreased by the end of the third week. The toxic effects of kerosene were demonstrated through the results of this study, with antioxidant vitamins and minerals being depleted by the first week and the depletion persisting till the third week.