ABSTRACT The exposure of Nigerians to House Hold Kerosene (HHK) is on the increase following carelessness from handling the product and proliferation of sales outlet. Against this backdrop, hepatotoxicity of HHK on liver enzyme markers and its effect on hematological and oxidative stress parameters on wistar albino rats were investigated. Preliminary toxicity study to determine the volume of HHK that could cause toxicity was carried out using 30 healthy albino rats. Another set of 20 albino rats were grouped into two groups and used for the biochemical analysis: Group I animals were the control group and Group II animals were administered with 1ml/kg body weight of HHK. The results of this study shows that HGB, RBC and HCT values were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in the group administered with kerosene compared to the healthy group. WBC, lymphocyte# count, MCV and MCH values were significantly increased (P<0.05) in the treated group compared to the control group. All the liver enzyme markers: AST, ALT, ALP and GGT were significantly increased (P<0.05) in group II compared to group I. This is an indication of impaired liver function. The total bilirubim (TB) value increased in group II while their total protein (TP) values significantly reduced (P<0.05) when compared to group I. HHK administration in group II rats caused significant reduction (P<0.05) in catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione activities of liver homogenate. The MDA values were significantly high in group II compared to group I. KEYWORDS:Hepatotoxicity, liver enzyme markers, hematological parameters, house hold kerosene and oxidative stress parameters. INTRODUCTION Various environmental pollutants, particularly those associated with crude oil cause many biochemical and toxic effects in terrestrial and marine animals (Berepubo et al., 1994, Ngodigha et al., 1999 and Carls et al., 1999). The chemical composition of crude petroleum varies between geologic formations.(Coppock et al., 1995). Crude petroleum is a mixture of different hydrocarbons and metals.( Edwards., 1989). It may be refined into fractions of kerosene, petrol, diesel, heavy gas oils, lubricating oils, as well as residual and heavy fuels, among others. However, kerosene, petrol, and diesel are the most commonly used fractionated crude petroleum products. Studies have shown that kerosene contains aliphatic, aromatic, and a variety of branched saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons (Henderson et al., 1993 and Kato et al 1993) The application of kerosene as cooking and lighting fuels in homes have resulted to direct contact of these products to a good percentage of the populace. Studies have shown that petroleum products like kerosene have great effects on the hematological parameters and the different organs in the body. Some of the biomarkers used to determine pollution levels include: alkaline and aspartate aminotransferase, Carboxylesterase, lactate dehydrogenase; as well as alkaline and acid phosphatase ( Baron et al., 1999 and Basagalia, 2000). METHODOLOGY Analysis of House Hold Kerosene (HHk) The house hold kerosene (HHK) samples were bought from Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and analysed in SGS Inspection Service Nigeria Limited to ascertain it to be House Hold Kerosene with the SON/DPR Specification using ASTM Methods (American Society for Testing and Material). Experimental animals Ten (10) weeks old albino rats weighing 140- 160g were obtained from Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Lagos, Nigeria. They were housed in plastic cages with saw dust as beddings; food and water were given ad libitum. The rats were used in accordance with NIH Guide for the care and use of laboratory animals; NIH Publication revised (1985) NIPRD Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs). Preliminary Toxicity Study Preliminary toxicity study to determine the volume of house hold kerosene (HHK) that could cause toxicity was carried out using 30 healthy albino rats. The rats were divided into six groups of five rats per group and were treated orally with 1, 2, 3, 4,5 and 6 ml/kg body weight of HHK respectively. The rats were observed over 24 hours period for nervousness, salivation, stretching, dullness, in- coordination and death. From the range of doses used, 1ml/kg was chosen for this study. Science Journal of Medicine and Clinical Trials ISSN:2276-7487 http://www.sjpub.org/sjmct.html © Author(s) 2014. CC Attribution 3.0 License. Published By Science Journal Publication International Open Access Publisher Research Article Hepatotoxicity of House Hold Kerosene (HHK) on Liver Enzyme Markers and Its Effect on Hematological and Oxidative Stress Parameters on Wistar Albino Rats Momoh Johnson¹*and Damazio. O.A² ¹Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Biochemistry unit) , School of Technology , Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos – Nigeria. ²Department of Science Laboratory Technology ( Chemistry Unit), School of Technology, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu,Lagos, Nigeria. Volume 2014, Article ID sjmct-232, 7 Pages, 2014. doi: 10.7237/sjmct/232 Accepted 28�� April, 2014 Corresponding Author:Momoh Johnson Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Biochemistry unit) , School of Technology , Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos – Nigeria. Email address: mjohnson_2008@yahoo.com