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Some Biochemical and Hematological Parameters among Petrol Station Attendants: A Comparative Study

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BioMed Research International
Authors:

Abstract

Objective . To describe selected biochemical and hematological parameters (blood picture, liver enzymes, and kidney functions) in petrol station attendants in Mansoura city. Methods . This is a comparative cross-sectional study. The exposed group included 102 petrol station attendants. They were compared to a matched group of healthy 102 male service and office workers at the Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University. The results of blood picture, liver enzymes, and kidney functions were compared between both groups. Results . Mean Red Blood Cells (RBCs) count, hemoglobin level, and Hematocrit (HCT) level were significantly lower in petrol station attendants than the comparison group. All other blood picture parameters showed nonsignificant difference between both groups. Liver enzymes, renal functions, serum albumin, and total protein showed statistically nonsignificant difference between both groups except for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) which was significantly higher in petrol station attendants. Conclusions . Some laboratory parameters among petrol station attendants showed changes that could be attributed to workplace exposure and should be given attention at preemployment and periodic medical examination.
Research Article
Some Biochemical and Hematological Parameters among
Petrol Station Attendants: A Comparative Study
Hala Samir Abou-ElWafa,1Ahmed A. Albadry,1
Abdel-Hady El-Gilany,1and Fagr B. Bazeed2
1Public Health & Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
2Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
Correspondence should be addressed to Hala Samir Abou-ElWafa; halsam@yahoo.com
Received  August ; Revised  October ; Accepted  October 
Academic Editor: Davor Zeljezic
Copyright ©  Hala Samir Abou-ElWafa et al. is is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons
Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is
properly cited.
Objective. To describe selected biochemical and hematological parameters (blood picture, liver enzymes, and kidney functions) in
petrol station attendants in Mansoura city. Methods. is is a comparative cross-sectional study. e exposed group included 
petrol station attendants. ey were compared to a matched group of healthy  male service and oce workers at the Faculty of
Medicine, Mansoura University. e results of blood picture, liver enzymes, and kidney functions were compared between both
groups. Results. Mean Red Blood Cells (RBCs) count, hemoglobin level, and Hematocrit (HCT) level were signicantly lower in
petrol station attendants than the comparison group. All other blood picture parameters showed nonsignicant dierence between
both groups. Liver enzymes, renal functions, serum albumin, and total protein showed statistically nonsignicant dierence
between both groups except for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) which was signicantly higher in petrol station attendants.
Conclusions. Some laboratory parameters among petrol station attendants showed changes that could be attributed to workplace
exposure and should be given attention at preemployment and periodic medical examination.
1. Introduction
Petrol (or gasoline) is a mixture of volatile hydrocarbons,
while diesel fuel is a distillate of petroleum which contains
parans, alkenes, and aromatics [].
Fuel (petrol and diesel) lling station attendants (FFSAs)
are exposed to a mixture of hydrocarbons in fuel vapours
during dispensing fuel and to the gases from vehicular
exhaust []. In lling stations, the volume of fuel dispensed
as well as the ambient temperature contributes signicantly
to the increased emission of volatile hydrocarbons. Benzene
(BZ) could be considered to be the most hazardous; xylene
and toluene have toxicities in line with other aromatics of
lower/dierent concern compared to BZ [].
Certainpeoplehaveagreaterriskofexposuretogasoline
vapors; these include lling station workers, service station
attendants, drivers of gasoline trucks, and renery workers.
e volatile nature of petrol products makes them readily
availableintheatmosphereanytimeitisdispensed,especially
at petrol lling stations and depots [].
Many of the harmful eects seen aer exposure to
gasoline are due to the individual chemicals in the gasoline
mixture, such as benzene, lead, and oxygenates. Breathing
small amounts of gasoline vapors can lead to nose and
throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
confusion, and breathing diculties. Some eects of skin
contact with gasoline include rash, redness, and swelling.
Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity) have been reported but
these are rare occurrence [, ]. e adverse health eects of
gasoline exposure may be primarily related to impairment of
the haemopoietic system with bone marrow depression [].
Occupational diseases in gasoline lling workers have
been recognized for many years and aect workers in dier-
ent ways; such diseases are still problems in all parts of the
world. e numbers of such work-related diseases in devel-
opingcountriesaremuchhigherinrealitythanthenumbers
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
BioMed Research International
Volume 2015, Article ID 418724, 6 pages
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/418724
BioMed Research International
that are reported. e numbers of cases and types of occu-
pational diseases are increasing in both developing and
industrialized countries [].
To the best of the authors’ knowledge no past studies have
investigated the laboratory prole of petrol station attendants
as a result of their workplace occupational exposure in Egypt.
e objective of this study was to describe selected bio-
chemical and hematological parameters (blood picture, liver
enzymes, and kidney functions) in petrol station attendants
in Mansoura city.
2. Methods
A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted upon
petrol station attendants at Mansoura city during the period
from January , , to March , .
2.1. Subjects
2.1.1. e Study Group. ere are  petrol stations in Man-
soura city and neighborhood as detected by “Google Earth.”
e study included  out of  petrol station attendants
with a response rate of %, recruited from  stations with
the largest workforce (more than  workers) and agreed to
participateinthestudy.Allattendantsaremalesworking
either in fuelling service for  hours/day for three days in
one week and for four days in the next week in an alternating
pattern or in car maintenance and wash and oiling services
for  hours/day from  a.m. to  p.m.
e petrol station attendants were interviewed and a
blood sample was taken at the administrative oce at each
stationata.m.wheretheirworkloadatthistimeisrelatively
light.
2.1.2. e Comparison Group. e group comprised  male
service and oce workers at the Faculty of Medicine, Man-
soura University, comparable to petrol station attendants in
most of the variables except for the risk of exposure to petrol.
ey represent .% of all male service and oce workers.
ey were interviewed and examined at the department of
public health and community medicine during the work day.
Ethical Consideration.Approvalsofthestudiedpetrolsta-
tions, Faculty of Medicine authorities, and the research ethics
committee were obtained. An informed verbal consent of
study subjects to participate voluntarily in the study with a
full right to withdraw, as they were willing to make a health
check for free, was obtained with assurance of condentiality
andanonymityofthedata.
Each participant was subjected to the following:
() Interview: a questionnaire was used to collect the fol-
lowing information: sociodemographic and occupa-
tional prole of workers; usage of personal protective
equipment and reasons for nonusage; general health
status; and respiratory complaints.
() Laboratory investigation: a  mL blood sample was
taken from each participant through venipuncture
which was then divided into the following:
(i)ereistwomLbloodcollectedinaplas-
tic tube containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic
acid (EDTA) for complete blood picture.
(ii) ere is three mL blood collected in a dry
plastic tube for kidney function tests (includ-
ing urea, uric acid, and creatinine) and liver
function tests (including ALT, aspartate amino-
transferase (AST), serum albumin, and total
protein).esamplewasallowedtoclotnat-
urally to separate the serum for analysis and
was stored upright at room temperature until it
was transported to the laboratory for analysis.
In the laboratory, each sample was centrifuged
and stored in the freezer at Cuntilbeing
processed.
Data Analysis. Data were entered and statistically analyzed
using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
version . e cut-o points for dierent parameters were
dened according to the laboratory standard dened by the
manufacturer of the kits. Qualitative data were described
as numbers and percentages. Chi-square (𝜒2)testwasused
for comparison between groups. Quantitative data were
described as means (standard deviation (SD)) or medians, as
appropriate. ey were tested for normality by Kolmogorov-
Smirnov test. In the normally distributed variables, indepen-
dent sample 𝑡-test was used, while in nonnormally distributed
variables, Mann Whitney test was used for comparison
between groups. “𝑝value .” was considered to be
statistically signicant.
3. Results
Petrol station attendants matched the comparison group in all
sociodemographic and occupational prole items except for
the median duration of smoking which was longer in petrol
station attendants (Table ).
Mean RBCs count, hemoglobin level and the percent
anemic, and HCT level were signicantly lower in petrol
station attendants than the comparison group. All other
blood picture parameters showed nonsignicant dierence
between both groups (Table ).
Liver enzymes, renal functions, serum albumin, and total
protein(boththemeanlevelandthepercentageofabnormal
levels) showed statistically nonsignicant dierence between
both groups except for ALT which was signicantly higher in
petrol station attendants (Table ).
Both groups neither had health insurance, worn personal
protective equipment (PPE) due to their unavailability nor
had preemployment or periodic examination. Among petrol
station attendants, one (%) complained of headache and ver-
tigo, one (%) complained of morning cough and shortness
of breath, and two (%) complained of skin itch, redness, and
rash (data are not shown in tables).
4. Discussion
e association between exposure to benzene or benzene-
containing mixtures and certain types of blood disorders has
BioMed Research International
T : Sociodemographic and occupational proles of study groups.
Characteristic Petrol station attendants () Comparison group () Test of signicance
Age (years)
Mean ±SD . ±. . ±. 𝑡 = 0.12,𝑝 = 0.9
Number % Number %
Education
Illiterate/read and write  .  . 𝜒2= 2.1,𝑝 = 0.15
Primary and above  .  .
Marital status
Unmarried  .  . 𝜒2= 0.8,𝑝 = 0.4
Married  .  .
Residence
Rural  .  . 𝜒2= 0.4,𝑝 = 0.5
Urban  .  .
Typ e of contr a ct
Te mp o r ar y  .  . 𝜒2= 0.5,𝑝 = 0.5
Permanent  .  .
Duration of employment (ys)
Median (min–max)  (.–) . (.–) 𝑍= 1.8,𝑝 = 0.08
Current smoking  .  . 𝜒2= 3.5,𝑝 = 0.06
Duration of smoking (ys)#
Median (min–max)  (.–)  (–) 𝑍= 2.4,𝑝 = 0.02
SD = standard deviation.
𝑍of Mann Whitney test.
#Among smokers.
T : Complete blood picture of the study groups.
Parameter Petrol station attendants () Comparison group () Test of signicance
Platelets (×9/L) . ±. . ±. 𝑡 = 1.2,𝑝 = 0.2
WBCs (×9/L) . ±. . ±. 𝑡 = 1.1,𝑝 = 0.3
RBCs (million cells/mcL) . ±. . ±. 𝑡 = 7.9,𝑝 ≤ 0.001
Hemoglobin (gm/dL) . ±. . ±. 𝑡 = 7.4,𝑝 ≤ 0.001
< gm/dL  (.)  (.) 𝑝 = 0.06
 gm/dL  (.)  (.)
HCT (%) . ±. . ±. 𝑡 = 8.2,𝑝 ≤ 0.001
MCV (femtoliter) . ±. . ±. 𝑡 = 0.4,𝑝 = 0.7
MCH (pg/cell) . ±. . ±. 𝑡 = 0.3,𝑝 = 0.8
MCHC (gm/dL) . ±. . ±. 𝑡 = 1.3,𝑝 = 0.2
Cells/mcL = cells per microliter, gm/dL = grams per deciliter, and pg/cell = picograms per cell.
been shown in epidemiological studies in dierent countries
[, ]. Benzene, an important component of petrol, is a
widely distributed environmental contaminant [] and has
mainly been associated with increased incidence of blood
disorders [].
e results of the study showed that the mean hemoglobin
level and RBCs count of petrol station attendants were
signicantly lower than those of the comparison group while
mean white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets counts were
higher among petrol station attendants with nonsignicant
dierence between both groups. Similarly, in hematological
assessment of gasoline exposure among petrol lling workers
in Baghdad, their mean hemoglobin level, WBCs, and RBCs
counts were signicantly lower than those of comparison
group [].
In this study, mean HCT value was signicantly lower in
petrolstationattendantsthancomparisongroupwhilemean
corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin
(MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
(MCHC) were similar in both groups with statistically non-
signicant dierence between them. Previous studies did not
detect decreased blood cell counts on routine monitoring of
workers exposed to low level of benzene [, ].
Liqueed petroleum gas- (LPG-) exposed workers of
Gaza governorates were found to have signicantly higher
values of RBC, hemoglobin, HCT, MCH, MCHC, and
BioMed Research International
T : Liver enzymes, renal functions, serum albumin, and total protein of the study groups.
Laboratory parameter Petrol station attendants () Comparison group () Test of signicance
ALT (U/L)  (–)  (–) 𝑍 = 2.8,𝑝 = 0.004
Median (min–max)
> U/L  (.)  (.)
 U/L  (.)  (.)
AST (U/L)  (–) . (–) 𝑍 = 0.3,𝑝 = 0.8
Median (min–max)
> U/L  (.)  (.) 𝑝 = 0.9
 U/L  (.)  (.)
Uric acid (mg/dL) . (.–) . (.–) 𝑍 = 1.9,𝑝 = 0.06
Median (min–max)
>. mg/dL  (.)  (.)
. mg/dL  (.)  (.)
Creatinine (mg/dL) . ±. . ±. 𝑡 = 1.8,𝑝 = 0.08
Mean ±SD
>. mg/dL  (.)  (.) 𝑝 = 0.6
. mg/dL   (.)  (.)
Urea (mg/dL) . ±. . ±. 𝑡 = 1.8,𝑝 = 0.07
Mean ±SD
> mg/dL  (.)  (.) 𝑝=1
 mg/dL  (.)  (.)
Serum albumin (gm/dL) . ±. . ±. 𝑡 = 1.8,𝑝 = 0.08
Mean ±SD
<. gm/dL  (.)  (.)
. gm/dL  (.)  (.)
Total protein (gm/dL) . ±. . ±. 𝑡 = 1.9,𝑝 = 0.06
Mean ±SD
<. gm/dL  (.)  (.) 𝑝 = 0.2
. gm/dL  (.)  (.)
U/L = units per liter.
platelets than comparison group while the mean WBCs count
was signicantly lower. is study showed a signicant eect
of LPG exposure on the haematological parameters of LPG
workers compared to comparison group []. eir results
agree with the results of two studies of subjects exposed to
natural gas [, ].
In the study, the median values of ALT and AST were
higher among petrol station attendants than the comparison
group where ALT showed signicant dierence between
them while AST showed nonsignicant dierence. Similarly,
themeanvaluesofserumASTandALTweresignicantly
higher among LPG workers of Gaza governorates (. ±
. U/L and . ±. U/L, resp.) compared with controls
(. ±. U/L and . ±. U/L, resp.) []. ese results
also agree with the results obtained from other settings for
LPG or natural gas exposures. Hu et al. [] showed that
long term exposure to coke oven emissions increased the
risk of liver dysfunction, while Chen et al. [] and Wu
et al. [] explored the dose-response relationship between
exposure to natural gas emissions in coke oven workers and
the elevation of some serum liver enzymes and reported a
signicant elevation of some liver enzymes in these workers
that may have been related to their exposure to natural gas.
Abnormal liver functions alongside neurological symptoms
were reported in a case report of a male, following accidental
inhalation of natural gas containing propane and butane [].
is study showed that serum uric acid, urea, and cre-
atinine levels were higher among petrol station attendants
than comparison group however statistically nonsignicant.
Similarly, serum levels of urea and creatinine were shown
to be signicantly elevated in gasoline lling workers in
Sulaimani City, Kurdistan, more than comparison group,
though these values are still within the highest accepted
normal ranges []. Also, the study of LPG workers of Gaza
governorates showed that urea, creatinine, and uric acid
levels were signicantly higher in workers compared with
controls []. However, Viau et al. [] did not nd signicant
eects on kidney function markers of renery workers who
were occupationally exposed to hydrocarbons, the major
component of natural or LPG gas.
is study showed lower mean values of serum albu-
minandtotalproteinamongpetrolstationattendantsthan
comparison group with statistically nonsignicant dierence
between them. In Sulaimani City, Kurdistan, total plasma
BioMed Research International
protein levels were not signicantly changed in gasoline
lling station workers compared to nonexposed subjects,
while plasma albumin levels were signicantly elevated in
workersmorethancomparisongroup[].
Fuel products are mixtures of aliphatic and aromatic
hydrocarbons mostly related to gasoline; most of them are
toxic to many organ systems including the kidney [,
], which may be attributed to an increase in liberating
toxic metabolites including reactive oxygen species. While
experiments with rats indicate that exposure by inhalation
to the aromatic hydrocarbons toluene, styrene, and xylene
was nephrotoxic [], this eect has not been conrmed in
man []. Both human and experimental studies suggest that
many chemicals can aect the kidney []. Gasoline includes
many chemicals and additives where anyone could be the
cause for such deterioration in renal functions. Accordingly,
the identication of specic solvents and exposed job cate-
gories at risk would improve intervention to prevent or delay
mild renal impairment progression to end-stage renal disease
in the occupational setting [].
In this study, % of petrol station attendants complained
of headache and vertigo, morning cough, and shortness of
breath, and % complained of skin itch, redness, and rash.
e results of the study of workers at lling and distribution
stations of LPG of Gaza governorates showed signicantly
higher rates of nearly all health status items in LPG workers
than comparison group, especially experiencing headache or
fatigue in work, eye itches, redness, pain, skin itches, redness
and rash, and respiratory complaints, such as fatigue during
climbing stairs, repeated sneezing during working hours,
shortness of breath in poorly ventilated room, and shortness
of breath in the workplace [].
Studies in dierent settings showed similar results to
that of Gaza Strip, especially concerning health complaints
related to respiratory system [, ]. ese health-related
complaintsofLPGworkersarelikelytobeduetothepharma-
cological eect of LPG. Inhalation of gaseous propane, which
is the major component of LPG, is known to cause dizziness,
nausea, vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, and a feeling of
euphoria [] and to suppress central nervous system (CNS)
function [].
e frequency of general health and respiratory com-
plaints among petrol station attendants in our study is low
despitethenonuseofPPEatworkandthiscouldbeattributed
to the outdoor location of petrol stations together with the
enclosed system for fuelling vehicles that could minimize
exposure to benzene.
Study Limitations
is study suers some limitations. ere were no records
for baseline and periodic medical examination of workers to
identify changes that could be attributed to petrol exposure.
Being a small-scale study limits the generalization of results
to the total population of petrol station attendants. Also there
was no environmental and personal monitoring for petrol
exposure to be related to the laboratory changes. e health
hazards could be underestimated as petrol attendants who
experienced serious hazards may had been exempted from
work or changed it.
Recommendations
ere should be the introduction of initial medical or
laboratory testing for petrol station attendants before being
hired to their jobs to check their tness and suitability for
duties at petrol stations. A medical observation including
preemployment and periodic medical checkup for early
recognition and removal of sensitive workers from their
working places before development of chronic impairment
should be done. e availability and use of PPE at work to
minimize workplace petrol exposure should be encouraged.
Further longer term perspective studies of petrol workers
help to get a more comprehensive picture of long term eects
of petrol exposure.
Conflict of Interests
e authors declare that there is no conict of interests
regarding the publication of this paper.
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... A systematic analysis revealed that, compared to non-anemic workers, anemic workers experience a 20% decrease in productivity, leading to reduced work performance and impacting their income levels [20]. The results of studies on the association between occupational exposure to gasoline and anemia are inconsistent [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. Occupational exposure to gasoline has been associated with anemia in several cross-sectional studies [21][22][23][24][25], gasoline inhalation inhibited the bone marrow and decreased hematological parameters [21,22], long-term occupational exposure to gasoline was associated with significantly lower hemoglobin (Hb) [23,24], and the mean red blood cell count was reduced in gasoline-exposed compared with non-exposed individuals [25]. ...
... The results of studies on the association between occupational exposure to gasoline and anemia are inconsistent [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. Occupational exposure to gasoline has been associated with anemia in several cross-sectional studies [21][22][23][24][25], gasoline inhalation inhibited the bone marrow and decreased hematological parameters [21,22], long-term occupational exposure to gasoline was associated with significantly lower hemoglobin (Hb) [23,24], and the mean red blood cell count was reduced in gasoline-exposed compared with non-exposed individuals [25]. A case-control study [26] showed that workers with occupational gasoline exposure had a higher prevalence rate of anemia than nonexposed workers; however, another case-control study [28] and a cross-sectional study [29] found no significant association between long-term occupational exposure to organic solvents such as gasoline and anemia. ...
... The results of studies on the association between occupational exposure to gasoline and anemia are inconsistent [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. Occupational exposure to gasoline has been associated with anemia in several cross-sectional studies [21][22][23][24][25], gasoline inhalation inhibited the bone marrow and decreased hematological parameters [21,22], long-term occupational exposure to gasoline was associated with significantly lower hemoglobin (Hb) [23,24], and the mean red blood cell count was reduced in gasoline-exposed compared with non-exposed individuals [25]. A case-control study [26] showed that workers with occupational gasoline exposure had a higher prevalence rate of anemia than nonexposed workers; however, another case-control study [28] and a cross-sectional study [29] found no significant association between long-term occupational exposure to organic solvents such as gasoline and anemia. ...
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Background Anemia is a major global burden, and occupational gasoline exposure is a common occupational hazard factor. Although previous studies have shown that there is a potential relationship between occupational gasoline exposure and the increase of anemia prevalence, this relationship has not been fully explored. The current cohort study aimed to investigate the association between occupational exposure to gasoline and anemia, and the effect of gasoline concentration on hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Methods This retrospective cohort study collected baseline data from 1451 workers, including 605 exposed to gasoline and 846 not exposed to gasoline. Participants were enrolled in 2013–2015, and follow-up in 2019. Anemia was diagnosed according to WHO guidelines on hemoglobin cutoffs to define anemia in individuals and populations. Occupational exposure concentration of gasoline was measured based on the Chinese national standard (GBZ-T300.62-2017). Logistic regression was conducted to analyze the associations of occupational exposure to gasoline and anemia. Results The incidence of anemia among workers exposed to gasoline was significantly higher than that among non-exposed workers (relative risk [RR] = 11.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.45–12.53). The risks of anemia were significantly higher among participants exposed to gasoline concentrations ≥ 43.20 mg/m³ (RR = 13.92, 95%CI: 12.25–15.28), 18.01–43.19 mg/m³ (RR = 12.93, 95%CI: 11.07–14.51), and 0.01–18.00 mg/m³ (RR = 5.49, 95%CI: 3.96–7.32) compared with the control non-exposed group. The risk of anemia was significantly higher among exposed workers, after adjusting for all confounding factors. There was also a significant negative correlation between gasoline exposure concentration and hemoglobin level. Conclusions Occupational exposure to gasoline is associated with an increased incidence of anemia, with a positive correlation between occupational gasoline exposure levels and the severity of anemia. The incidence and severity of anemia increase while hemoglobin levels decrease in line with increasing gasoline exposure concentrations. These findings emphasize the importance of assessing anemia in workers exposed to gasoline.
... These hazardous effects include the onset of anaemia and cancer which is more evident in individuals with prolonged exposure [12]. It is obvious that LPG attendants in filing stations, drivers of gasoline trucks, service station attendants and refinery workers are more susceptible to the harms of LPG due to chronic work-related exposure [13]. LPG is readily available in the atmosphere any time due to the fact that they are volatile and this is most common in LPG plant stations and depots [14]. ...
... LPG is readily available in the atmosphere any time due to the fact that they are volatile and this is most common in LPG plant stations and depots [14]. The deleterious effects of exposure to LPG depend largely on the chemicals that constitute LPG such as benzene and lead [13]. Inhalation of LPG vapors even in small amounts have been reported to cause dizziness, headaches, nose and throat irritation, breathing difficulties, confusion, vomiting, allergic and skin reaction such as rash and redness [13]. ...
... The deleterious effects of exposure to LPG depend largely on the chemicals that constitute LPG such as benzene and lead [13]. Inhalation of LPG vapors even in small amounts have been reported to cause dizziness, headaches, nose and throat irritation, breathing difficulties, confusion, vomiting, allergic and skin reaction such as rash and redness [13]. Furthermore, a more serious health implication of LPG is related to the alteration of the haemopoietic system with bone marrow depression [15]. ...
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Gasoline station workers are regularly exposed to many hazardous toxins vapors which can cause abnormal alterations in the functioning of many vital organs and they are associated with increased risk of liver dysfunction. This study was carried out to evaluate the Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Bilirubin in domestic cooking gas factory workers in Benin City, Edo State. ALT, AST and ALT were determined enzymatically, while bilirubin was determined using Chemical Pathology semi-autoanalyzer. Statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the student's t-test. Significant difference was accepted at p<0.05. The results presented in mean ± standard deviation showed that the total bilirubin (mg/dl) of the subjects and control group was 1.12±0.33 and 0.52±0.18, conjugated bilirubin (mg/dl) was 0.44±0.12 and 0.28±0.13, AST
... Also, gasoline workers have high chances of cancer risk from daily exposure to benzene and formaldehyde [3,18]. Exposure to volatile fuel has effect on the haemopoietic system as benzene in petrol is harmful to the bone marrow and can decrease the number of red blood cells leading to anaemia [3,19]. Studies have recorded a significantly lower Packed Cell Volume (PCV) among petrol attendants compared to the general population [19]. ...
... Exposure to volatile fuel has effect on the haemopoietic system as benzene in petrol is harmful to the bone marrow and can decrease the number of red blood cells leading to anaemia [3,19]. Studies have recorded a significantly lower Packed Cell Volume (PCV) among petrol attendants compared to the general population [19]. ...
... The Petro-chemical industry such as the fuel stations are not only a major source of employment in Africa including Nigeria but also provide significant exposure to stressors through exposure to Benzene and its counterparts [3,34]. When fuel is dispensed, employees at gas stations are exposed to a variety of hydrocarbons as well as the fumes from passing cars [3,19]. Petroleum compounds have cytotoxic effects on the majority of human and animal bodily organs, including the kidney and liver [13,35]. ...
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Probability of adverse health to individuals along the distribution chain, especially fuel attendants. Petrochemical industries, including fuel stations, provide an exposure scenario that increases the vulnerability of front-line staff to gasoline-related ill-health as there are typically more than 150 chemicals in petrol, including small amounts of benzene, toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene, hydrocarbons, cyanides, phenols, heavy metals, toluene and trace amounts of some contaminants, such as lead which are detrimental to the health of an individual. About 5mls of venous blood Samples were collected from 200 persons in Oluyole area, Ibadan. They were each given a questionnaire and an informed consent form to complete. Since 100 of them worked as fuel attendants at different filling stations, they were included in the case group. Among other things, their primary direct exposure sources were inhalation and skin contact. Since they don’t trade gasoline or work in the oil sector, the other 100 people were the control group. The requirements for inclusion included not having a history of chronic illnesses, such as hepatitis, diabetes, renal failure or blood problems, as well as not using any particular medications, smoking or drinking alcohol. The following parameters were measured after the samples were spun and separated: total protein, plasma albumin, globulin, aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Aslanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline Phospahatase (ALP). The blood was drawn for the laboratory tests in the morning. P<0.01 was seen for high ALT, AST and ALP, which were 86.3%, 111.4% and 88.5%, respectively. Additionally, there was a 37.2%, 37.8% and 36.4% (P<0.01) drop in Total Protein, Albumin and Globulin levels relative to the controls. This study demonstrated that subjects exposed to petrochemicals may experience liver alterations. However, petrochemicals including benzene and other compounds such as acetylaldehyde, formaldehyde which are components in the petrochemicals can lead to numerous toxic health effects associated with functional aberration of vital organs in the body such as the liver with a significant increase in the ALT, AST, ALP and a decrease in Total protein, Albumin and Globulin.
... Reduced levels of Hb are indicative of anaemia, which can occur for many reasons, such as blood loss, malnutrition, and genetic blood diseases such as thalassaemia and bone marrow diseases that reduce red blood cell production. This is in accordance with a past study of petrol station workers where Hb and Hct levels were significantly decreased [24]. Most of the workers in this study had an RBC count close to the minimal value, similar to the results reported in a study of Korean workers who had been exposed to low-level benzene concentrations [25]. ...
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Benzene is harmful to human health and early detection of haematological alterations is important in preventing adverse health effects. This study aimed to investigate the biomarkers of benzene exposure and its effects due to haematological alterations. Gasoline station workers with potential risks according to the biomatrix concerning benzene exposure underwent blood and urine evaluation for the biological monitoring of urinary trans, trans-muconic acid (tt-MA), and haematological and biochemical parameter evaluation. The results were analysed for correlations between biological and haematological effects. The tt-MA biomarker was detected in some workers and approximately 50% of workers had a blood profile that showed abnormal parameters with respect to the haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct) and white blood cell parameters, which were outside the normal range. A significant correlation was observed between the tt-MA biomarker’s level and the levels of the haematological and biochemical parameters, which were Hb, Hct, eosinophil, neutrophil, SGOT and blood creatinine. The level of urinary tt-MA as a marker of benzene exposure correlated with haematological and biochemical changes in the blood, suggesting that the gasoline station workers were affected by benzene exposure. Moreover, the current study suggests that early detection of haematological abnormalities may be possible by analysing biomarkers of their effects through regular health surveillance of workers.
... These are consistent with the results of other studies. 18,22,23 The decrease in Hgb and red blood cell count may be explained by the effect of metabolic end products and free radicals which shortened red blood cell lifespan. These free radicals can also alter erythrocyte membrane and heme protein synthesis in bone marrow. ...
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Background Human exposure to benzene is associated with many adverse health effects. It is mainly related to impairment of the hematopoietic system and bone marrow suppression, causing abnormalities in hematological parameters. However, the reports obtained from different studies are contradictory, and there are little data regarding the hematological parameters of gas station workers in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the hematological parameters of gas station workers in Hosanna town, southwest Ethiopia, from May 01 to June 15, 2020. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted by involving 180 (60 gas-stations workers and 120 controls) participants. Socio-demographic and related data of the study participants were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire through face-to-face-interviews. All phases of quality assurance were maintained, and hematological parameters were determined using Uni-Cel DxH 800 automated hematological analyzer. Independent sample T-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Statistical significance was declared at P<0.05. Results Statistically significant difference was observed in hematological parameters of gasoline-workers and control groups. The mean of red blood cell count among gasoline-workers was significantly reduced as compared to control groups (p=0.007). In addition, the median of hemoglobin levels among gasoline-workers was significantly decreased as compared to the control groups (p=0.001). In contrast, a significant increase was observed in median of absolute eosinophil count among the gasoline-workers as compared to control groups (p=0.01). The mean of mean cell volume was significantly decreased with respect to the duration of work experience (p=0.04). Conclusion In this study, a statistically significant difference was observed in some hematological parameters of gas station workers compared to the control group. Therefore, medical observation and periodic medical check-ups of the hematological profile should be considered to prevent the development of medical complications.
... The World Health Organisation has identified benzene as a strong carcinogen. Workers chronically exposed to organic solvents especially benzene can develop various health conditions such as immune [20], endocrine [21] and haematological conditions [22,23], hepatic and renal dysfunctions [23,24], visual disorders [25], and peripheral auditory disorders [26]. In addition to their physiological effects, organic solvents have toxic effects on the central nervous system. ...
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BACKGROUND: Occupational health factors such as shift work, sleep, fatigue, and work environment jeopardise the health and safety of gas station workers. This calls for new research to investigate how the working environment and characteristics impact the occupational health of workers at gas stations. However, minimal research has been conducted in this field, especially those involving psychological and behavioural factors, occupational stress, and so forth. OBJECTIVE: This review was performed to investigate the present condition of the occupational risk of gas station workers in this safety-critical position. METHODS: Five databases (Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO) were searched for relevant peer-reviewed studies. Results were selected according to these criteria: studies on fatigue, shift work, sleep, and physical and mental health of gas station employees; published on or before November 11, 2021; papers in English. RESULTS: Twenty studies were considered for the final analysis. The results showed that shift work at gas stations leads to psychological and physiological problems. The psychological consequences included anxiety, stress, and depression, while the physiological consequences included biochemical changes and lifestyle consequences. CONCLUSION: Shift work and the specific working environment of gas station employees adversely affect their sleep, stress levels, physical and mental health, and turnover intention. This systematic review allowed us to consider the occupational risk factors that can lead to sickness or accidents and contribute to reducing these risk factors. Realistic countermeasures ought to be established and interventions must be explored to mitigate risks to life, property, and the environment in operating gas stations.
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Background and Objective: Occupational exposure to the high levels of benzene and its metabolites causes many serious health hazards to petrol station workers. However, there is the biological effect of benzene metabolites on the hematopoietic system has been known for over a century. This study was designed to analyze effects of chemical exposure on hematological parameters profile among workers at filling stations and compared them with office's workers in east Tripoli city/Libya. Methods: 31 blood samples (exposed group) and another 31 blood samples (unexposed to benzene) were collected from petrol stations. Full analysis of blood picture was performed using fully automated hematology analyzer. Results: Benzene exposed subjects had significantly higher levels of WBC (×10(3) per μL) count (7.8 ± 2.5 versus 6.5 ± 1.3, P = 0.007) and platelet (×10(3) per μL) count (282.2 ± 126.6 versus 221.9 ± 44.7, P = 0.006) compared with the unexposed subjects. While mean Red Blood Cells (RBCs) count, hemoglobin, Hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) levels were significantly lower in petrol station workers than the comparison group. Conclusion: Our results found that occupational exposure to benzene caused significant alterations in hematological parameters indicating that these petrol stations workers may be at a higher risk of developing blood related disorders. Therefore, workers should be protected from exposure to benzene by wearing protective devices and given attention at periodic medical examination.
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Background: Fish grilling by using charcoal emits toxic gaseous substances that can have short-term or long-term effects on human systems. Other studies separately on Biochemical and haematological parameters reported that exposure to some air pollutants during fish grilling can be injurious to humans. This study investigated the effect of smoke residues on fish grillers in mammy market of Mogadishu cantonment, Abuja, Nigeria. Material and methods: The subject of this study were 95 that composed of 75 fish grillers as test groups and 20 non-fish grillers but doing other occupations within the market as control groups. Demographic data were obtained from them using a structured questionaire. The biochemical parameters were assayed using Selectra Pro S automated chemistry analyser while that of haematology was Sysmex KX-21N three parts analyser. Results: This research finding showed that exposure to charcoal smoke is associated with significant alterations in HDL and LDL especially in longer exposure (Table 2). They are at high risk of developing coronary heart diseases. There is a significant increase in total protein and GGT. GGT is an indicator of early liver cell damage or cholestestatic disease. Serum level of GGT is commonly elevated in patients with acute hepatitis although the rise in GGT is usually less than that of transaminases. This research work showed statistically significant increase in serum GGT (P>0.05) among the test group in Table 3 as the duration of exposure increases. Increase in the value of absolute lymphocytes mixed cells associated with significant increase in Hb, WBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, platelets, RDW and differential neutrophils values in Table 5 is caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals contained in grilled fish smoke which have the potential to lead to health problems and disease progression. Conclusion: This research has succeeded in showing the effect of air pollution originating from smoked fish processing by grilling. Exposure to charcoal smoke is associated with significant alterations in HDL, Triglycerides, LDL among test group (Table 2) especially as the duration of the exposure increases (Table 3). The research subjects are at high risk of developing coronary heart diseases. GGT is an indicator of early liver cell damage or cholestestatic disease. Serum level of GGT is commonly elevated in patients with acute hepatitis although the rise in GGT is usually less than that of transaminases. The research has succeeded in showing the impact of air pollution originating from smoked fish processing by grilling. Increase in the value of lymphocytes and mixed cells accompanied by the increase of Hb, WBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, platelets, RDW and differential neutrophils values is caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals contained in grilled fish smoke which have the potential to lead to health problems and disease progression. Research similar to different observed parameters must be carried out in order to ascertain the effects of exposure to air pollutants especially in larger sample quantities.
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