Hematological Parameters & Pulmonary Function Test among Petrol Pump Workers

Abstract

Long term exposure to solvents like benzene and air pollutants can lead to deleterious effects on respiratory and hematopoietic systems. The aim of this study is to assess the extent of altered pulmonary functions tests and Hematological parameters in petrol-pump workers who are exposed to petrol and diesel fumes. The study group consisted of 10 males in the age group of 20—50 year, who were working in various petrol stations as petrol attendants, 8 hours per day for more than 5 years and the control group consisted of 10 males of same age group, who were not exposed to petroleum vapors. Pulmonary functions were tested by using Spiro lab III Ver 3.2. The parameters studied were Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEVI), FEVI /FVC (FEVI %), Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) and Forced Expiratory Flow at 25-75%. Venous blood (2.5 ml) was taken from everyone in a sterile and clean EDTA container. The complete blood count (CBC) was done by using a fully automated hematology analyzer (Sysmex). The results of blood tests showed forty percent had high RBC counts, hematocrit readings showed 40% with reduced values, and for MCHC 40% were reduced. Platelets were significantly different in the two groups. In pulmonary function tests there was a statistically significant decrease in FEVI, FVC, PEF and FEF25-75 in the study group compared to the control group with normal FEVI/FVC. Workers at fuel stations should be subjected to periodic blood tests and protected from exposure to benzene by wearing protective devices, such as masks and goggles, to ensure that their blood and pulmonary parameters are normal.