Blood picture in petrol pump workers

Benzene is blended with petrol as an antiknock agent. As petrol evaporates during refilling vehicles, The air around petrol station contains higher level of Benzene. Absorption of Benzene by humans can occur through inhalation, ingestion and directly through skin. Due to long working hours, Petrol station workers are inhaling high volume of Benzene. They are also exposed to more pollutants emitted by the vehicles.

It is generally known, that hematopoietic tissues are sensitive targets of benzene toxicity. Benzene being genotoxic any chronic low level exposure correlates with the development of variety of blood disorders in humans, which range from, reduction in concentration of peripheral blood cells to Aplastic anemia, Pancytopenia, Lymphomas, acute Myelogenous leukemia and its variants. It can also result in increased blood cell count, chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes.

Considering all the previous studies which have varied results in hematological parameters, we took up the study with below stated objective.

To find any aberration in the complete blood cell count and to check for any morphological change in blood cells of petrol pump workers.

Study group consisted of forty petrol pump workers within Bangalore metropolitan area, with high level of air pollutants. They were further divided into four groups according to their work experience correlating to duration of benzene exposure. They were also classified as smokers and non smokers. Written informed consent was taken. Thorough general physical examination was done. Subjects with complaints of infection and under any medications were excluded. 3ml intravenous blood was drawn in a EDTA coated tube and was analyzed by Beckman Coultee automated counter. Peripheral smear was stained with Lieshman stain and observed at pathology lab of Victoria hospital, Bangalore.

Reports obtained showed 43% subjects to be normal, 44% with Eosinophilia, 7% with Lymphocytic predominance, 3% with Anaemia and 3% with Neutrophillia.

Statistical analysis showed significant p value (<0.05) for lymphocyte count with duration of exposure. Remaining blood cell count did not show any significant change with duration of exposure or in relation to smoking habit. The results obtained from present study indicated there is some amount of toxic effect of benzene and air pollutants on petrol pump workers. Improved detection and prevention technologies are needed to check the early changes and to improve the health conditions of the workers.