Hematological assessment of gasoline exposure among petrol filling workers in Baghdad

Abstract

Background: Petrol station attendants are workers chronically exposed to petroleum derivatives primarily through inhalation of the volatile fraction of petrol during vehicle refueling.The adverse health effects of gasoline exposure may be primarily related to impairment of the haemopoietic system with bone marrow depression.
Objective: The evaluation of hematopoietic changes among petrol filling workers
Methods: a cross sectional survey was carried out with 292individuals, 146 petrol filling workers who spent their working hours in the stations of petrol filling in Baghdad city-group (1) and 146 individuals from people who already work in station as overseers - group (2), were investigated for the effect of gasoline polluted air which arise from inhalation or absorption of benzene through skin
Result: Of examined 292individuals, 146 petrol filling workers (all of them) were found with hematopoietic changes. out of 6 potential risk factors, only one (smoking habit)found to be significantly associated with the presence of white blood cell changes(p<0.05) as compared with petrol filling workers who had no such risk factors. Of examined 146 comparison group,40( 27.37%) were found with hematopoietic changes (only white blood cell changes and haemoglobulin level) as compared with individual who had no such risk factor(smoking habit).
Conclusion: Although no cases of blood disorders were detected but blood involvement in petrol stations workers is still possible and should be given full attention in medical surveillance of workers.